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
The harbor town of Portofino will undoubtedly ring bells, too, the old-school glamour of its postcard-perfect waterfront and piazzas framed by the ochre- and saffron-hued houses that have attracted the rich and famous since the 1950s.
—
Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Curves and circles reappear on the coffee table and the saffron-color rattan chair, which is also a midcentury Italian design.
—Kelly Ryan Kegans, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025
The smells of spices and flowers—rose, neroli, mint (mint and more mint tea!), ras el hanout, cumin, saffron, paprika, coriander—and the flavors: sweet apricots, dates, walnuts, sesame desserts and, of course, oysters!
—Alysia Reiner, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2025
Bistrò Alpino, La Thuile Chef Alessandro Gioe draws from Valdostan tradition, crafting dishes that feel both rooted and refined, like local carnaroli rice with saffron and osso buco ragu.
—Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for saffron
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Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Curves and circles reappear on the coffee table and the saffron-color rattan chair, which is also a midcentury Italian design.
—Kelly Ryan Kegans, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025
The smells of spices and flowers—rose, neroli, mint (mint and more mint tea!), ras el hanout, cumin, saffron, paprika, coriander—and the flavors: sweet apricots, dates, walnuts, sesame desserts and, of course, oysters!
—Alysia Reiner, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2025
Bistrò Alpino, La Thuile Chef Alessandro Gioe draws from Valdostan tradition, crafting dishes that feel both rooted and refined, like local carnaroli rice with saffron and osso buco ragu.
—Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 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 20 Sep. 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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