shrinking violet

noun

: a bashful or retiring person

Examples of shrinking violet in a Sentence

He's no shrinking violet when it comes to competition. a reality show that wants shameless exhibitionists, not shrinking violets
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
After all, a little one with a name like Valkyrie, Raven, or Justice isn’t likely to be a shrinking violet. Christin Perry, Parents, 25 Oct. 2024 Susann Sills was no shrinking violet, says her friend Chris Solimine. Gayane Keshishyan Mendez, CBS News, 17 May 2024 The Squad members have prided themselves on not being shrinking violets. Jeff Robbins, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2024 Even if Trump were a shrinking violet, the media would be all over this historic moment. Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for shrinking violet 

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrinking violet was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near shrinking violet

Cite this Entry

“Shrinking violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrinking%20violet. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!