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

Clad in saffron and white, he was surrounded by hundreds of supporters and party members, signing autographs and talking to children on the way to the polling station. —Sumit Khanna, Tora Agarwala, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024

Candlelight flickers over bowls of things like cannellini beans in saffron, and mutton chops beside piles of bitter cime di rapa. —Jo Rodgers, Vogue, 3 May 2024

The seafood and saffron plate ($38) includes salmon, jumbo shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, calamari and vegetables sauteed in a tomato saffron broth. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024

In 2024, crimson, emerald, indigo and saffron clouds will hover over the country on March 25 for one of its most vibrant, joyful and colorful festivals. —Hari Kumar, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024

Horseradish gremolata brightens an earthy saffron ravioli, charred Treviso and butternut squash and braised pork ennoble garganelli. —Sunset Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024

In addition to saffron, there's papaya (a natural source of enzymatic exfoliants) and turmeric to soothe inflammation. —Sarah Han, Allure, 9 Nov. 2023

Saadat, who is of Persian heritage, has a dedicated brass mortar and pestle to finely grind saffron and a Japanese suribachi for crushing cardamom. —Naz Deravian, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024

It’s used in dishes both savory and sweet, although it’s particularly beloved in traditional desserts such as Indian moong dal halwa, a buttery porridge often spiced with saffron and cardamom, and Korean injeolmi, glutinous rice cakes rolled in crushed nuts. —Wei Tchou, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2024

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