California condor

noun

Cal·​i·​for·​nia condor ˌka-lə-ˈfȯr-nyə- How to pronounce California condor (audio)
: a large nearly extinct vulture (Gymnogyps californianus) found most recently in the mountains of southern California that is related to the condor of South America

Illustration of California condor

Illustration of california condor

Examples of California condor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The practice was used to pull the California condor back from the brink of extinction and is used for many imperiled species. — Nathan Rott, NPR, 27 May 2026 Pronghorn antelope and Tule elk are out there, too, the experts say, along with California condors soaring overhead. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Bird-watchers can spot everything from California condors to acorn woodpeckers, and campers can now reserve a site inside the park limits. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026 The California condor is the largest land bird in North America, with a wingspan reaching nearly 10 feet. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for California condor

Word History

Etymology

California, state of U.S.

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of California condor was in 1853

Rhymes for California condor

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Browse Nearby Words

California color
California condor
California coneflower
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Cite this Entry

“California condor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/California%20condor. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

California condor

noun
Cal·​i·​for·​nia condor ˌkal-ə-ˌfȯr-nyə- How to pronounce California condor (audio)
: a very large nearly extinct vulture of mountainous southern California that is related to the condor of South America

More from Merriam-Webster on California condor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about California condor

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