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

Topa Topa’s story began in early 1967, the year that the California condor was classified as endangered by the United States. —Staff Report, Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026

Now there are 392 California condors in the wild, including 117 in Central California, the Ventana Wildnerness Society said. —Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026

While the total California condor population has grown to more than 600 birds, severe threats remain to their survival. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 21 Apr. 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

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