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.

A California Court of Appeals upheld her conviction, and she has appealed to the state Supreme Court.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The campaign kicks off against Paraguay in nearby Los Angeles on Friday, before a detour to Seattle to face Australia, then back to southern California for Turkey.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Before being elected to Congress, Bass served in the California state assembly, where she became the first black woman to serve as a House speaker in any state legislature.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

California sends mail-in ballots to all registered voters who have until Election Day to send them back.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 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