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.

Steve Hilton, a former top adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron and a former Fox News host, will advance as one of two candidates in the race for California governor, US media outlets project.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Hilton has never held elected office before, but has said that if he wins, he will not mirror other California politicians.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

However, he noted that Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, has the full resources of the Department of Justice and has found no proof of wrongdoing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Jim Ross, a veteran California political consultant who didn’t work for either side of the proposal, said Lurie’s opposition made the measure a tough sell to voters given the mayor’s consistently high approval ratings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

I text Jade, even though she’s all the way in California, on the off chance that she’s heard from Avery today.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison