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

Meanwhile, in Souq Waqif, the smell of saffron lingers as beautiful falcons perch beside handwoven textiles. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Bistrò Alpino, La Thuile Chef Alessandro Gioe draws from Valdostan tradition, crafting dishes that feel both rooted and refined, like local carnaroli rice with saffron and osso buco ragu. —Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025

Their riff on the penicillin features a proprietary Compass Box scotch blend, Ardbeg Drum, brown butter, saffron, ginger, and lemon. —Michael Moberly, Saveur, 13 Aug. 2025

Bhargava’s spices are sourced from Vietnam, Thailand, Africa, and South America; tea and peppercorn from India; saffron from Afghanistan; and special retail tin packaging is made in China. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 13 Aug. 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