California

[kal-uh-fawrn-yuh, -fawr-nee-uh] / ˌkæl əˈfɔrn yə, -ˈfɔr ni ə /

NOUN

u.s. state

Synonyms

WEAK

Bear Flag State Cal El Dorado Gold Coast Gold Rush State Golden Bear State Golden Poppy State Golden State La La Land Sunkist State

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The California Assn. of Public Hospitals and Health Systems is requesting a one-time general fund payment in the 2026-27 budget to help cover inpatient care for fee-for-service Medi-Cal patients at the state’s 17 public hospitals.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

This campus will draw 1.4 gigawatts of energy, or enough to power the entire city of San Diego, California.

From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026

Britain had only just abandoned rationing; in California, swimming pools weren't luxuries - just a way of life.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

He went into hiding in 1989 and fled the country in 1997 as the ruling junta tightened its grip, according to articles published by the University of California, Berkeley, on its website.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Apparently the Palmers were the only family in Northern California who chose to visit Magpie Campground that day.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret