wallflower

noun

wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce wallflower (audio)
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

Illustration of wallflower

Illustration of wallflower
  • wallflower 1a

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of wallflower was in 1577

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.

Kids Definition

wallflower

noun
wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce wallflower (audio)
: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains alone (as at a dance)

More from Merriam-Webster on wallflower

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