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
In the evening, saffron risotto balls, fresh focaccia bread, and a marbled Miyako steak make their way to nearly every table.
—
Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025
Its organic ‘red gold’ (saffron is the most expensive and delicate spice in the world) is already being supplied to some of the top fine-dining restaurants in Sweden and Denmark, including Vyn, of course.
—Isabelle Kliger, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Choose between various proteins like saffron chicken or spicy lamb grilled just-right, with a touch of char.
—Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Sip on rich Yemeni lattes with a camel design atop and Adeni chais in small glass cups paired with saffron milk cakes and honeycomb breads as late as 1 a.m. on weekends.
—Hira Qureshi, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
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Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025
Its organic ‘red gold’ (saffron is the most expensive and delicate spice in the world) is already being supplied to some of the top fine-dining restaurants in Sweden and Denmark, including Vyn, of course.
—Isabelle Kliger, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Choose between various proteins like saffron chicken or spicy lamb grilled just-right, with a touch of char.
—Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Sip on rich Yemeni lattes with a camel design atop and Adeni chais in small glass cups paired with saffron milk cakes and honeycomb breads as late as 1 a.m. on weekends.
—Hira Qureshi, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for saffron
Cite this Entry
“Saffron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saffron. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
saffron
noun
saf·fron
ˈsaf-rən 
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
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
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