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

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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 As for the two Mitchell children, the director based both (including Katie and younger brother Aaron, a dinosaur-loving, antisocial wallflower) on himself (sorry to his older siblings). — Joseph Longo, Vulture, "The Mitchells vs. The Machines Director Mike Rianda Wants to Make You Laugh (and Call Your Mom)," 30 Apr. 2021 Potato-leek soup, sometimes a wallflower, turns into a talker at the table. — Washington Post, "Glover Park Grill woos its neighborhood with all-American cooking," 12 Mar. 2021 Where other Mall buildings are extroverts, demanding reverence, the Hirshhorn is the wallflower who showed up to the party in the wrong outfit and is choosing not to participate. — Kelsey Ables, Washington Post, "Brutalist buildings aren’t unlovable. You’re looking at them wrong.," 25 Mar. 2021 BAYarts information notes that the term wallflower has often been used to describe someone sitting on the sidelines. — Linda Gandee, cleveland, "BAYarts showcases women artists in March; call for artists in annual juried exhibition," 22 Feb. 2021 Such a revelation would have mortified Calvin Coolidge (Aug. 2, 1923-1929), who was shy and a bit of a wallflower, according to a story from his presidential foundation. — Washington Post, "Biden didn’t get to bust a move during the inauguration, but previous commanders-in-chief have been known to boogie. Here’s how they stack up.," 21 Jan. 2021 In the final moments of the first season of the historical romance (now streaming), it's revealed that Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), seemingly an unassuming wallflower, is actually the most powerful person in the upper echelons of London society. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan spills tea on playing the Regency Kardashians, Penelope's arc," 28 Dec. 2020 Loretta Castorini is not a wallflower, exactly — more like a dandelion. — New York Times, "Site Information Navigation," 9 Dec. 2020 Diana refused to be a fashion wallflower while pregnant. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "An Appreciation of Princess Diana’s Over-the-Top ’80s Maternity Style," 20 Nov. 2020

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.