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
Cite this Entry
“Snowflake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snowflake. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
