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

Spray the jasmine, saffron, and cedar blend on solo, or layer with any of Salt & Stone's lovely body-care offerings. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 15 July 2025

Turmeric, sometimes called Indian saffron, is often used in savory curries and soups. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 9 July 2025

Rather than relying on heavy sweetness, Persian desserts are lightly sweetened and perfumed with aromatics like rosewater, cardamom, and saffron. —Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Then there are specialty herbs that are difficult to source or harvest, such as saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, which requires around 70,000 Crocus sativus flowers to yield just one pound of threads. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 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 sativa) that is the source of saffron

called also saffron crocus