Definition

A person who is shy or unpopular and tends to remain on the sidelines at social events instead of joining in.

Example

At the party, she felt like a wallflower, standing alone while others danced and laughed.

Conversation

I noticed you were a bit of a wallflower at the party last night.

Yeah, it was hard to jump into the conversation with everyone talking over each other.

I get that, sometimes it feels easier to just hang back as a wallflower.

Exactly! But maybe next time I’ll try to be more outgoing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wallflower is formed from "wall" (from Old English *weall*, meaning a structure that encloses or supports) and "flower" (from Old English *blōwre*, meaning a blooming plant). The term refers to a flower that grows on walls or in neglected places, often symbolizing someone who remains in the background or is shy in social situations.

Memory Tip

Think of a flower that grows on a 'wall' — it helps you remember that a wallflower is someone who tends to stay in the background, just like a flower that grows in a less noticed place.

Visually Confused Words