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.

California requires that a veterinarian to be present or nearby and on call.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

This union is one of the most powerful in the hospitality industry, and represents more than 32,000 workers in California and Arizona.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

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

In 2024, California counted more than 406,000 late-arriving mail ballots, but they represented only about 2.5% of the statewide total.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

“We were a little worried to move to California, what with all the wildfires you’ve been having,” Akira heard Sue’s dad say, and alarm bells went off in her head.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz