Meaning & use

snowflake

noun·Everyday

A single, delicate ice crystal that falls as part of snow, typically shaped like a six-pointed pattern.

See it in a sentence

Each snowflake landing on her mitten had a unique, intricate pattern.

Under the microscope, no two snowflakes looked exactly alike to the students.

A note on using this word

Informally and often dismissively, 'snowflake' describes a person seen as overly sensitive or easily offended; this usage can be considered insulting.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. noun

Informal and often derogatory: a person regarded as overly sensitive or easily offended.

He dismissed every critic as a snowflake instead of considering their feedback.

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