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
• shrinking violet

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 wallflower being bullied by the obnoxious rapper has a callous side. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 26 Dec. 2024

You’re stuck with all these Victorian normies, wallflowers. —Wesley Morris, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024

Body care, hand soaps, candles, wallflowers fragrance refills, fragrance boosters, laundry detergent, hanging fragrance diffusers, and hand sanitizers are all on sale at Bath & Body Works right this second. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024

Such over-the-top pieces aren’t for wallflowers, or even the typical watch enthusiast, but there’s no denying the sophistication of their calibers. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

wallflower

noun

wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

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