Illustration of wallflower
- wallflower 1a
wallflower
noun
wall·flow·er
ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 
1
: any of several Old World perennial herbs (genus Erysimum synonym Cheiranthus) of the mustard family
especially
: a hardy erect herb (E. cheiri synonym C. cheiri) widely cultivated for its showy fragrant flowers
2
a
: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains on the sidelines of a social activity (such as a dance)
b
: a shy or reserved person
Examples of wallflower in a Sentence
there were too many wallflowers at the party, so things never really got lively
Recent Examples on the Web
The novel follows Harriet Bancroft, a bookish wallflower compiling a dictionary of slang.
—
Angelina Mazza, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Its high jewelry has never been for wallflowers, and that notion is inherent to one of the crowning statement pieces, the Fortune necklace.
—Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
The neutral palette of black and white with wood accents and subtle linen drapes lets the view do most of the talking—but the statement lighting fixture (Long Hood Chandelier by Ravenhill Studio) is no wallflower.
—Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026
Hearing her mother’s constant criticism and feeling self-conscious about her awkwardness in social situations, Mary is content to be a wallflower.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wallflower
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Angelina Mazza, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Its high jewelry has never been for wallflowers, and that notion is inherent to one of the crowning statement pieces, the Fortune necklace.
—Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
The neutral palette of black and white with wood accents and subtle linen drapes lets the view do most of the talking—but the statement lighting fixture (Long Hood Chandelier by Ravenhill Studio) is no wallflower.
—Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026
Hearing her mother’s constant criticism and feeling self-conscious about her awkwardness in social situations, Mary is content to be a wallflower.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wallflower
Cite this Entry
“Wallflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wallflower. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wallflower
noun
wall·flow·er
ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r
: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains alone (as at a dance)
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