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

The countries represented on the menu will be Lebanon, Turkey, and Morocco with dishes brimming with honey, saffron and spices such as cumin, paprika, and coriander seeds. —Laurie Werner, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Checkerboard cookies sparkle with the pink and saffron hues of a Madras print. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 27 Sep. 2024

Bright, medium deep yellow; aromas of yellow plum, pear jelly and a hint of saffron. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

The color palette included colors such as saffron yellow, gold, peach, orange blush and tobacco. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 24 Sep. 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