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.
The walls in the dining room are intentionally painted to appear like the saffron ochre has been peeling for far longer than its year in existence. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Smith hung an oversized Nelson Angled Sphere Bubble Pendant above a custom teak bed with a speckled bouclé headboard and a drapey saffron velvet coverlet for a tranquil effect. — Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026 Keshani’s family gave a copy of the Quran, a saffron rock candy and a single red rose as a traditional dowry. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Starters include lamb lollipops and baked oysters, while entrées range from scallops with saffron risotto and olive tapenade to an 18-ounce ribeye topped with sauces including béarnaise or apple-horseradish cream. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing saffron

Browse Nearby Words

safflower red
saffron
saffron plum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saffron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saffron. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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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 sativus) that is the source of saffron

called also saffron crocus

More from Merriam-Webster on saffron

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about saffron

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