wallflower

noun

wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce wallflower (audio)
Synonyms of wallflowernext
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

Illustration of wallflower
  • wallflower 1a

Synonyms of wallflower

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No wallflowers here; the women are brash, brassy, and refreshingly bold. — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026 Outside, on the patio, boxes of Jenga had been set out for the wallflowers. — Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 Packed with personality and bohemian flair, the designs are not for wallflowers. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026 Its high jewelry has never been for wallflowers, and that notion is inherent to one of the crowning statement pieces, the Fortune necklace. — Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wallflower

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wallflower was in 1577

Rhymes for wallflower

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Browse Nearby Words

wall fern
wallflower
wall fruit
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Cite this Entry

“Wallflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wallflower. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wallflower

noun
wall·​flow·​er ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce wallflower (audio)
: a person who from shyness or unpopularity remains alone (as at a dance)

More from Merriam-Webster on wallflower

Nglish: Translation of wallflower for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wallflower

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