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
His current favorite is the Pollock and Casper, the restaurant’s Gemini cocktail, a split base of gin and duck fat washed vodka, finished with saffron oil, designed to capture the duality the sign is known for. —
Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026 The Parker House rolls are a must, as is the corn agnolotti made with blue crab, saffron, and brown butter. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026 The first is a classic bouillabaisse of assorted seafood in a saffron, tomato, and fennel broth. —Dashae Engler, Midwest Living, 8 Apr. 2026 Crisp saffron risotto mini arancini arrived in dollops of aioli. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for saffron
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026 The Parker House rolls are a must, as is the corn agnolotti made with blue crab, saffron, and brown butter. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026 The first is a classic bouillabaisse of assorted seafood in a saffron, tomato, and fennel broth. —Dashae Engler, Midwest Living, 8 Apr. 2026 Crisp saffron risotto mini arancini arrived in dollops of aioli. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for saffron
Cite this Entry
“Saffron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/saffron. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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 sativus) that is the source of saffron
called also saffron crocus
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