saffron

American  

[saf-ruhn] / ˈsæf rən /

noun

1. Also called vegetable gold.  a crocus, Crocus sativus, having showy purple flowers.

2. an orange-colored condiment consisting of its dried stigmas, used to color and flavor foods.

3. Also saffron yellow a yellowish-orange color.

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saffron British  

/ ˈsæfrən /

noun

1. an Old World crocus, Crocus sativus, having purple or white flowers with orange stigmas

2. the dried stigmas of this plant, used to flavour or colour food

3. another name for autumn crocus

4. another name for safflower

5. 1. an orange to orange-yellow colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a saffron dress

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Etymology

Origin of saffron

1150–1200; Middle English saffran, saffron Old French safran < Medieval Latin saffrānum < Arabic zaʿfarān

Compare meaning

How does saffron compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• safflower vs. saffron

Example Sentences

Leading the procession has been Bhikkhu Pannakara, a Vietnamese monk whose saffron sash is adorned with sheriff badges from the many counties that have hosted them and secured the roads.

From Barron's

He points to the grass, where a saffron finch is hopping along.

From Literature

Hailed as the “Queen of Spices,” green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices in the world, ranking third after saffron and vanilla.

From Salon

Next came a Hokkaido scallop paired with grilled corn, saffron, and pork belly, a dish that felt unmistakably summery: rich, sweet, and sunlit.

From Salon

His cooks minced the meat with papaya, saffron and spices and made it so fine and silky that it needed no chewing.

From BBC