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

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

From BBC

The 21-piece hemisphere collection makes a delightful and delicious gift, featuring flavors such as saffron, Persian rose, yuzu and burnt caramel.

From Salon

This dish, colored with saffron and perfumed with warm spices, was inspired by a meal I recently enjoyed in Rafidi’s luxuriously updated restaurant, and shares his locavore approach.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her saffron sari was drenched in blood and she had no pulse.

From BBC

There are Persian restaurants and bookstores and shops selling the saffron and rose ice cream popular in Iran.

From BBC