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

Illustration of wallflower

• wallflower 1a

Synonyms

• introvert
• mouse

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 four fragrances will be available to purchase in a wide assortment, including three-wick candles, fine fragrance mists, body creams, body washes, foaming hand soaps, hand sanitizer sprays, laundry care, decor and wallflowers. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025

Alternative Sale at a Glance Hand soaps for $4, three-wick candles for $13, and wallflowers for $4 are just the beginning. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2025

The island wallflower stabilizes sand dunes and bluffs along the California coast and on the Channel Islands. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025

But in this Brian De Palma classic, the wallflower eventually gets her revenge in the spectacularly gory prom climax (even disposing of a Kotter-era John Travolta). —Michelle Kung, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for wallflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• watchtower
• wildflower

Kids Definition

wallflower

noun

wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains alone (as at a dance)