Meaning & use
touch-me-not
A plant, such as jewelweed or the sensitive plant, whose leaves or seed pods react quickly when touched.
See it in a sentence
The children giggled as the touch-me-not's leaves folded shut at the lightest tap.
Ripe touch-me-not seed pods burst open and scatter seeds the instant they are brushed.
A note on using this word
The name is also used figuratively for a person who is prudish or reacts sharply to any criticism or contact.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. phrase
A person who is easily offended or strongly resists being touched, questioned, or criticized.
He's a bit of a touch-me-not about his weight, so tread carefully.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “touch-me-not”, then compare your use with the examples above.