wallflower Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any of numerous plants of the genus Erysimum having fragrant yellow or orange or brownish flowers
  2. noun perennial of southern Europe having clusters of fragrant flowers of all colors especially yellow and orange; often naturalized on old walls or cliffs; sometimes placed in genus Erysimum
    Erysimum cheiri; Cheiranthus cheiri.
  3. noun remains on sidelines at social event

WordNet

Wall"flow`er noun
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A perennial, cruciferous plant (Cheiranthus Cheiri), with sweet-scented flowers varying in color from yellow to orange and deep red. In Europe it very common on old walls. ✍ The name is sometimes extended to other species of Cheiranthus and of the related genus Erysimum, especially the American Western wallflower (Erysimum asperum), a biennial herb with orange-yellow flowers.
  2. A lady at a ball, who, either from choice, or because not asked to dance, remains a spectator. Colloq.

Webster 1913