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.

The California city—once a poster child for drought—is producing so much fresh water with its Carlsbad ocean-desalination plant that Arizona and Nevada are pursuing deals for millions of gallons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

He directed questions about Reyes’ employment to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which didn’t immediately respond.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Some of those attending the much talked about festival, which takes place over two weekends each year in Palm Springs, California, are ditching hastily assembled pop-up tents and crumpled gazebos.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

In its transparency and boundless views, the Geffen Galleries speak of sunshine and mobility; never before has a major California museum so completely captured the state’s carefree affect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Although he wanted to return to California, he didn’t want to take the chance of entering the United States just yet.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady