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

In Essex, where new independent registrations rose from six in 2024 to 12 in 2025, Girgis‑Hanna divides her working week between the NHS and private consultations, operating from a chiropractic clinic in Saffron Walden.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Than Shwe became the top general, facing his own uprising in 2007 when the "Saffron Revolution" led by robed monks took up the pro-democracy mantle.

From Barron's • Dec. 23, 2025

The enthusiast, from Wimbish, near Saffron Walden, took her find to fellow club member Rob Smith.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2025

Boxer Natasha Jonas, former Great Britain ice hockey captain Saffron Lane and wheelchair tennis player Andy Lapthorne are also honoured along with former England cricketers Steven Davies, external and David 'Syd' Lawrence.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

Saffron melting to fawn and dun was there, and vivid streaks that were almost scarlet where fractures were fresh, but had changed to maroon and terra cotta under the action of the weather.

From Down the Columbia by Freeman, Lewis R. (Lewis Ransome)