Illustration of wallflower
- wallflower 1a
wallflower
noun
wall·flow·er
ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 
1
a
: any of several Old World perennial herbs (genus Cheiranthus) of the mustard family
especially
: a hardy erect herb (C. cheiri) widely cultivated for its showy fragrant flowers
b
: any of a related genus (Erysimum) of herbs with showy 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
After being squished, the protein acts like a sponge—soaking up the sauce, taking it from wallflower to life of the party.
—
Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 19 July 2023
Former wallflowers turn into raving lunatics and normally hot-blooded folks go positively supernova.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 18 Aug. 2023
The movie follows Jamie, a free spirit mourning her latest breakup, and Marian, a wallflower in desperate need of adventure.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Apr. 2023
Not for the wallflower type, this bold spicy scent is confidence in a bottle.
—Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 28 June 2023
Wolodarsky’s voice has such a wallflower quality to it, apt for Kylie, whose asides are barely acknowledged half the time.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 June 2023
Gregory adds that Hunt was more of a wallflower, as a former CIA agent trained to blend in, so Harrelson amped up his performance some.
—Stuart Miller, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2023
Charlie is a socially awkward wallflower who has always experienced life from the sidelines.
—Noelle Devoe, Seventeen, 24 Jan. 2023
Versace Crystal Noir is not a wallflower.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 20 Jan. 2023
See More
Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 19 July 2023
Former wallflowers turn into raving lunatics and normally hot-blooded folks go positively supernova.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 18 Aug. 2023
The movie follows Jamie, a free spirit mourning her latest breakup, and Marian, a wallflower in desperate need of adventure.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Apr. 2023
Not for the wallflower type, this bold spicy scent is confidence in a bottle.
—Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 28 June 2023
Wolodarsky’s voice has such a wallflower quality to it, apt for Kylie, whose asides are barely acknowledged half the time.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 June 2023
Gregory adds that Hunt was more of a wallflower, as a former CIA agent trained to blend in, so Harrelson amped up his performance some.
—Stuart Miller, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2023
Charlie is a socially awkward wallflower who has always experienced life from the sidelines.
—Noelle Devoe, Seventeen, 24 Jan. 2023
Versace Crystal Noir is not a wallflower.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 20 Jan. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wallflower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
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Dictionary Entries Near wallflower
Cite this Entry
“Wallflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wallflower. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
wallflower
noun
wall·flow·er
ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r
: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains alone (as at a dance)
More from Merriam-Webster on wallflower
Nglish: Translation of wallflower for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wallflower
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