wallflower

noun

wall·flow·er | \ ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r

Definition of wallflower

1a : 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

2a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About wallflower

Synonyms & Antonyms for wallflower

Synonyms

Antonyms

extrovert
(also extravert)

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 Gray Label Dovetail is no wallflower of a whiskey, bottled at a hefty cask strength of 131.54 proof. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2022 Poker straight, ultra-long silver hair and an embellished dress to match… whoever said being in your seventies means being a wallflower? — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 27 June 2022 In the Pacific Northwest, Chinese American wallflower Ellie (Leah Lewis) spends most of her time taking care of her father and writing papers for her classmates for extra cash. — Kyle Turner, BostonGlobe.com, 1 June 2022 Just as surprising is the transformation of Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) from observant wallflower to cold-blooded pot-stirrer and, gulp, the season’s real villain. — cleveland, 20 Mar. 2022 That theory didn’t surprise Megan’s sister, Karen, who told Dateline Megan was not shy about her opinions and was definitely not a wallflower. — NBC News, 13 Mar. 2022 In season 1, the friendship between wallflower Penelope and spirited Eloise delighted audiences. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2022 Yellowjackets team assistant Misty Quigley (played by Christina Ricci in the show’s present timeline) has become a fan favorite: an often-hilarious psychopath thinly disguised as a mousey wallflower. — Rebecca Milzoff, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2022 His father, Chris, who worked for a time as a pipe fitter and then at a family printing business, was more of a wallflower but had an adventurous spirit. — Ted Alcorn, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wallflower.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.