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
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Guests will also be treated to Michelle Williams’s iconic saffron Vera Wang gown from the 2006 Oscars, which has been reimagined as a delicate biscuit adorned with lemon vanilla royal icing, evoking the gown’s flowing silhouette. Caroline Tell, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 In studies, the saffron dose was 15 mg twice daily or 30 mg once daily. Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Feb. 2025 For something more casual, swing by Funk, a trendy hangout spot serving a rotating menu of pastries—from saffron buns to pistachio cruffins—alongside daily soups and Scandi-inspired smoked fish sandwiches. Talia Abbas, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025 Turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, saffron and cayenne pepper are all loaded with micronutrients and antioxidants. Dr. Uma Naidoo, Contributor, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saffron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saffron. Accessed 22 Mar. 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

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