California condor

noun

Cal·​i·​for·​nia condor ˌka-lə-ˈfȯr-nyə- 

: 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

Examples of California condor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Endangered Species Act is credited with bringing back animals including the California condor, the bald eagle and the American alligator from the brink of extinction. — Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2026

The change limits the reach of the 50-year-old Endangered Species Act, which is credited with helping to save ​the bald eagle, California condor and numerous other ​animals and plants from extinction. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 July 2026

The milestone has been years in the making for conservationists involved in restoring California condors to the Pacific Northwest. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 11 June 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

Word History

Etymology

California, state of U.S.

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for California condor

• fonder
• launder
• mandir
• maunder
• ponder
• squander
• wander
• yonder
• responder
• transponder

Kids Definition

California condor

noun

Cal·​i·​for·​nia condor ˌkal-ə-ˌfȯr-nyə- 

: a very large nearly extinct vulture of mountainous southern California that is related to the condor of South America