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

Their line of bangers includes The Pathfinder Spritz and The Pathfinder Negroni featuring fun functional herbs like angelica root, saffron, and douglas fir. —Chala June, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

There are beautiful pastries, too, like sweet saffron milk bread and a flaky seasonal Napoleon. —Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025

Preparing to depart from this world, Resh Lakish took note of a small quantity of saffron that was left over, unsold. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025

For dessert, customers can dine on treats like an orange blossom saffron olive oil cake for $11 (complete with black walnut tuile and strawberry coulis). —Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 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