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

It’s made with organic reishi and tremella mushrooms, rhodiola, and saffron, as well as magnesium and L-theanine to help arm you against never-ending to-do lists, quarterly reviews, or daily stress. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026

The potatoes nail the candy coating crackle of the original, while sweetened mayo is swapped with an aioli made of saffron, condensed milk and citrus. —Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026

The saffron rice, served with shrimp, peas and calabacita for $30, is a nod to Spanish and Sicilian traditions. —Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026

Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt to reserved bowl with saffron; whisk until smooth. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 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