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.

Drought Monitor declared the entire state of California drought-free on Jan. 6.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

As gas prices soared in California last month, Irvine resident Marc Tan realized his Mercedes SUV was getting too expensive to refuel.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

That’s small change compared with most major California water projects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Gas prices in California have risen 30% since the start of the year, according to data from the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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