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

Leaving one night, a table of young Saudis still held court over saffron spritzers. —Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, cardamom, saffron, cloves, and black pepper, all deserve a spot in your anti-inflammatory diet. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 July 2025

And then: the saffron, asserting itself more bravely than before. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025

The name Petals reflects the floral ingredients, like saffron and rose, frequently used in the ice cream and baked goods. —Debby Rice, Mercury News, 22 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