saffron

noun

saf·​fron ˈsa-ˌfrän How to pronounce saffron (audio) -frən How to pronounce saffron (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But domestic production of saffron is so small — a tiny fraction of the saffron sold in the United States — that no one compiles data on it. Jane Black, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Its mystical scent does just that by playing on each individual’s body chemistry for a unique take for all, with a top note of saffron, a heart of jasmine and vetiver, and a sandalwood base. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 Bourbon vanilla’s denser facets are enhanced by amber and saffron, with smoky nuances of saffron and cypriol. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024 To this day, saffron is the defining mark of risotto alla milanese, and residents of the city will snort at the thought that a respectable version of the dish can be located anywhere else. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for saffron 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of saffron was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near saffron

Cite this Entry

“Saffron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saffron. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

saffron

noun
saf·​fron ˈsaf-rən How to pronounce saffron (audio)
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 How to pronounce saffron (audio) -rən How to pronounce saffron (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on saffron

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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