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.

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

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

Hilton, who founded a nonprofit on California policies, was known for his frequent visits in the last couple of years to the state Capitol for discussions with legislators.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

"My hand hasn't been this tired since I instant-messaged my pen pal in California for an hour."

From "Scream for Ice Cream: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #2" by Carolyn Keene