snowflake

noun

snow·​flake ˈsnō-ˌflāk 

1

: a flake or crystal of snow

2

: any of two genera (Leucojum or Acis) of Old World bulbous plants of the amaryllis family

especially : one (L. vernum) resembling the snowdrop

3

informal + usually disparaging

a

: someone regarded or treated as unique or special

… proclaim that parents need a way for their precious snowflakes to escape failing schools.

—Harold Cook

Baseball, like no other sport, has stats that make a special snowflake out of every player.

—Ben Rowen

b

: someone who is overly sensitive

One side derides the youth driving the movement as snowflakes and social justice warriors, too sensitive and too politically correct.

—Vanessa McCray

We are not delicate creatures. We are not snowflakes.

—Rosie DiManno

Examples of snowflake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rain looks to move in from west to east around 9 to 11 a.m., perhaps briefly mixing with a spotty snowflake or sleet pellet north and west of D.C. at the onset. —Dan Stillman, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2023

For a new spin on a personalized ornament, try this wooden one that looks like a snowflake but has your name inside. —Katie Melynn, Peoplemag, 29 Nov. 2022

For an assortment of the Oak Cliff chocolatier’s goodies, get the gift box ($30) which includes 2-ounce of Sea Salt Pistachio Bark, 2 ounces of bean-to-bar chocolate, a chocolate snowflake, and a white chocolate snowman. —Dallas News, 25 Nov. 2022

There are also festive options, including snowflake and Christmas elk patterns. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 15 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

snowflake

noun

snow·​flake ˈsnō-ˌflāk 

: a flake or crystal of snow