saffron

[ saf-ruhn ]

noun

1. Also called vegetable 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 saffron yellow. a yellowish-orange color.

saffron

/ 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. meadow saffron
   another name for autumn crocus
4. false saffron
   another name for safflower
5. 1. an orange to orange-yellow colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a saffron dress

Word History and Origins

Origin of saffron¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of saffron¹

C13: from Old French safran, from Medieval Latin safranum, from Arabic za'farān

Example Sentences

They left after painting the gate and walls saffron - a colour that is worn by many Hindu priests and is also the colour of flags of BJP and other Hindu parties.

From BBC

The rice is beautifully colored by the cherries, with a touch of saffron for a golden hue and garnished with slivered pistachios.

From Salon

A truck painted saffron – the colour associated with the BJP – and decorated with marigold flowers carried them as their cavalcade made its way through the narrow streets of the ancient city.

From BBC

Aguirre has taught Jay the correct pronunciation of many French perfume names and has put him on to all-time favorites, like Jeroboam’s Oriento, a jammy rose patchouli with a sparkling saffron top note.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Pirathapan cooked a winning menu of a seafood starter, a spiced venison main and a dessert of white chocolate and cardamom and saffron cremeux with a lime and chili sorbet.

From BBC