This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
saffron
[ saf-ruhn ]
/ ˈsæf rən /
See the most commonly confused word associated with safflower
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
Also called vegetable gold . a crocus, Crocus sativus, having showy purple flowers.
an orange-colored condiment consisting of its dried stigmas, used to color and flavor foods.
Also saffron yellow . a yellowish-orange color.
COMPARE MEANINGS
Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of saffron
1150–1200; Middle English saffran, saffronOld French safran<Medieval Latin saffrānum<Arabic zaʿfarān
Words nearby saffron
safety valve, safe word, saffian, safflower, safflower oil, saffron, Safi, Safid Rud, S. Afr., safranine, S. Afr. D.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use saffron in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for saffron
saffron
/ (ˈsæfrən) /
noun
an Old World crocus, Crocus sativus, having purple or white flowers with orange stigmas
the dried stigmas of this plant, used to flavour or colour food
meadow saffron another name for autumn crocus
false saffron another name for safflower
- an orange to orange-yellow colour
- (as adjective)a saffron dress
Word Origin for saffron
C13: from Old French safran, from Medieval Latin safranum, from Arabic za'farān
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012