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 survey methodology comes from professionals at the University of Southern California, a private institution, and the count requires approval from the U.S.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

Becerra has framed his campaign around his lifetime of work in politics and his credibility working in Congress in Washington DC, and in California in state office.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Combined, those factors make the battle for control of the House incredibly close, which in turn makes the five seats up for grabs in California pivotal — and potentially decisive.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Managing partner Tim Arrowsmith has grown his California herd from 10 to 5,000 goats, serving clients from the Forest Service, to homeowners associations, to Pacific Gas & Electric.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

California had been in a drought for ten of the thirteen years she’d been alive.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz