abbreviation
Common
CA
see-AY
CA (abbreviation) means California, in postal addresses and other abbreviated writing. Example: “The office moved to San Diego, CA 92101.”
abbreviation
1
California, in postal addresses and other abbreviated writing.
"The office moved to San Diego, CA 92101."
2
formal Circa, meaning 'about' or 'approximately', placed before an uncertain date. Usually written ca. and pronounced as 'circa'.
"The manuscript dates from ca. 1450."
3
Chartered accountant, a qualified professional accountant in the UK, Ireland, India, Australia and several other countries.
"She qualified as a CA before joining the firm."
4
technical Calcium, in the chemical symbol Ca used in formulae and on nutrition labels.
"Limestone is largely calcium carbonate, CaCO3."
How to use CA
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short form that most often means California, or 'about' before a date.
When to use it
Which meaning applies depends entirely on context: an address, a date, a job title or a chemical formula.
Memory tip
Write the circa sense in lower case with a full stop (ca.) and the state and profession senses in capitals (CA).
Easily confused with
CA vs c.
CA vs CPA
Ca vs CA
Common pairings
Los Angeles, CA
ca. 1900
CA qualification
Ca2+
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The office moved to San Diego, _____ 92101.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
Does CA mean California or Canada?
In a postal address within the United States, CA is California; Canada is CAN or CA only as an international country code. Canadian addresses use the province abbreviation, such as ON or BC, rather than CA.
What is the difference between CA and CPA?
CA stands for chartered accountant, the qualification awarded by professional bodies in the UK, Ireland, India, Australia and elsewhere. CPA stands for certified public accountant, the equivalent American qualification. Both are fully qualified accountants, but they are licensed by different bodies.
What does ca. mean before a year?
It is short for the Latin circa, meaning 'around'. Writing ca. 1750 signals that the date is an informed estimate rather than a documented fact.
What is the meaning of CA?
"CA" (abbreviation) means california, in postal addresses and other abbreviated writing.
