saffron

noun

saf·​fron ˈsa-ˌfrän  -frən 

1

a

: the deep orange aromatic pungent dried stigmas of a purple-flowered crocus (Crocus sativus) used to color and flavor foods and formerly as a dyestuff and in medicine

b

: the crocus supplying saffron

2

: a moderate orange to orange yellow

Examples of saffron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The mile-long drive to the main building—a tunnel of 200-year-old lime and beech trees with saffron and tangerine leaves falling like confetti during my autumn visit—is the first hint that time is meant to stretch here. —Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

Spiciness was frequently toned down, cost was taken into account (there were suggested substitutes for saffron, for instance). —JSTOR Daily, 26 Nov. 2025

Additional research published in the Cambridge University Press in May 2025 revealed saffron's potential to ease depression symptoms. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 Nov. 2025

Other sides include pita bread, regular fries, salata, saffron basmati rice, falafels and pita chips with classic hummus. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French saffron, safren, from Medieval Latin safranum, from Arabic zaʽfarān

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing saffron

• meadow saffron

Kids Definition

saffron

noun

saf·​fron ˈsaf-rən 

1

: the orange usually powdered dried stigmas of a purple-flowered crocus that are used especially to color or flavor foods

2

: an orange to orange yellow color

Medical Definition

saffron

noun

saf·​fron ˈsaf-rän  -rən 

1

: the deep orange aromatic pungent dried stigmas of a purple-flowered crocus used to color and flavor foods and formerly as a dyestuff and as a stimulant antispasmodic emmenagogue in medicine

2

: a purple-flowered crocus (Crocus sativus) that is the source of saffron

called also saffron crocus