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

Discothèque’s Flaming Colossus With notes of saffron, chocolate, davana and red pepper, heart notes of honey, cyclamen, ylang-ylang and patchouli, and base notes of amber, tobacco, vetiver, cedarwood and frankincense, this cult candle will completely capture your senses. —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Tinged with notes of black plum, saffron, and blonde woods, the Turkish Rose oil centers on Rosa Damascena. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

This included a halwa shop, which sells the sweet gelatinous Omani dessert in flavors including saffron, almond, rose, and chocolate. —Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 13 Dec. 2024

With notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and saffron, the silky spray brings a subtle gleam to the skin and hair. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 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