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

However, Richard Doscher, RD, director of nutrition and food services at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, New York, told Verywell that combining saffron and honey can provide the beneficial compounds of each ingredient. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2026

Menardo expanded it with saffron, Calvados and rose, intensified the patchouli and leather, and added an amber accord. — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026

Bailey said the team will harvest saffron from around 3,000 plants that were planted over the past year. — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Menorcans often add additional ingredients for flavor—basil or saffron for savory or honey and cheese for sweet—after the mayonnaise is made. — Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026

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