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

Explanation

Saffron is a deep yellow-orange colored spice that's commonly used in Middle Eastern and South Asian food. Because it's quite expensive, saffron is usually sold in small quantities. Saffron looks like short, feathery threads — it's made from dried crocus stigmas, the thin stems at the center of the flower. A pinch of saffron, sometimes soaked in water, gives food a subtle sweet, grassy flavor and often a hint of orange or yellow color. This color itself is also called saffron. The word saffron comes from the Old French safran, by way of the Medieval Latin safranum, ultimately from the Arabic root az-za'faran.

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 • Feb. 3, 2026

AGZ contains the herb ashwagandha along with magnesium, the spice saffron and more than a dozen other ingredients.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

Cardamom has always been expensive, usually the third costliest spice by weight, after saffron and vanilla.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

Over nihari, a hearty stew served during celebrations, the family dreamt up a menu heavy with cumin, cardamom, garam masala and saffron while discussing their journey to America.

From Salon • Oct. 5, 2025

When June came the grasses headed out and turned brown, and the hills turned a brown which was not brown but a gold and saffron and red—an indescribable color.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck