plural Californios
1
: one of the original Spanish colonists of California or their descendants
2
: a native or resident of California

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from California

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Californio was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Californio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Californio. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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