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 The home has eight bedrooms, a grand drawing room with double-height ceilings, and a formal dining room—painted in saffron yellow—which was reportedly the singer’s favorite color. Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Treatment rooms are purposefully monastic, decked in Tibetan art and saffron textiles. Chloe Bottero, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2024 Add the paprika, turmeric, saffron (if using), chicken broth, tomatoes and remaining 1 / 4 teaspoon salt to the pan, and mix together until combined. Cindy Dampier, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 In a separate incident in central Madhya Pradesh state, a group of right-wing Hindus was seen placing saffron flags on top of a Christian church. Rhea Mogul, CNN, 4 Feb. 2024 Watch and be amazed as saffron seed oil easily dissolves your makeup, leaving behind a dewy glow. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2024 The streets were decked with saffron flags, marigold garlands, and signs depicting Lord Ram and Modi. TIME, 24 Jan. 2024 Flint and smooth saffron pebbles outlined the wooden manger to mimic boulders. Doris Bittar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Dec. 2023 The traditional dress of the Kazakh eagle hunters can be glimpsed in the hooded down jacket made from chinchilla and cashmere blend with fox-fur trim, while the red and saffron hues of monks’ robes appear in scarves and sweaters. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'saffron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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