California

[ kal-uh-fawrn-yuh, -fawr-nee-uh ]
/ ˌkæl əˈfɔrn yə, -ˈfɔr ni ə /

noun

a state in the W United States, on the Pacific coast. 158,693 sq. mi. (411,015 sq. km). Capital: Sacramento. Abbreviation: CA (for use with zip code), Cal., Calif.
Gulf of, an arm of the Pacific Ocean, extending NW between the coast of W Mexico and the peninsula of Baja California. About 750 miles (1207 km) long; 62,600 sq. mi. (162,100 sq. km).

OTHER WORDS FROM California

Cal·i·for·nian, adjective, noun

Example sentences from the Web for californian

British Dictionary definitions for californian (1 of 2)

Californian
/ (ˌkælɪˈfɔːnɪən) /

adjective

of or relating to California or its inhabitants

noun

a native or inhabitant of California

British Dictionary definitions for californian (2 of 2)

California
/ (ˌkælɪˈfɔːnɪə) /

noun

a state on the W coast of the US: the third largest state in area and the largest in population; consists of a narrow, warm coastal plain rising to the Coast Range, deserts in the south, the fertile central valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the east; major industries include the growing of citrus fruits and grapes, fishing, oil production, electronics, information technology, and films. Capital: Sacramento. Pop: 35 484 453 (2003 est). Area: 411 015 sq km (158 693 sq miles) Abbreviation: Cal., Calif., (with zip code) CA
Gulf of California an arm of the Pacific Ocean, between Sonora and Lower California

Cultural definitions for californian

California

State in the Far West bordered by Oregon to the north; Nevada and Arizona to the east; Baja California, Mexico, to the south; and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its capital is Sacramento, and its largest city is Los Angeles.

notes for California

During the California gold rush tens of thousands of people poured into California in search of gold. It is sometimes called the “Golden State.” ( See forty-niners.)

notes for California

California is the most populous state. It is known for its earthquakes, high-tech (see also high-tech) industries ( see Silicon Valley), and agriculture.

notes for California

The state is famous for all the fads and ideas that originate there, many of which are considered strange or eccentric.