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.

Since prediction markets are legal nationwide, the sportsbooks have an opportunity to onboard customers in populous states that haven’t legalized traditional sports betting, such as Texas and California.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife spearheaded a complex mission to rescue trout threatened by the Palisades fire that sparked in January 2025.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

I don’t enjoy waiting for important information, but I like that California wants people to vote.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

What questions do you have about the California primaries–the candidates, the process and what the results will mean for the general election in November?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Ever since first grade, when the Palmers moved to California, Jonathan had practiced earthquake drills in school each year.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret