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

It is credited with helping save the bald eagle, California condor and scores more animals and plants from extinction since Republican President Richard Nixon signed it into law. —NPR, 19 Nov. 2025

Enjoy educational, animal-centric exhibits and experiences—including conservation programs in support of the California condor and the island fox—across 30 stunning seaside acres. —AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025

The elusive and illustrious California condor is making a major comeback in the Bay Area, stretching its wings in areas where the continent’s largest bird has not been seen for more than a century. —Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025

Buechley pointed to the California condor. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025

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