El Dorado

American  

[el duh-rah-doh, -rey-, el daw-rah-thaw, el duh-rey-doh] / ˌɛl dəˈrɑ doʊ, -ˈreɪ-, ɛl dɔˈrɑ ðɔ, ˌɛl dəˈreɪ doʊ /

noun

1. a legendary treasure city of South America, sought by the early Spanish explorers.

2. any place offering great wealth.

3. a city in S Arkansas.

4. a town in S Kansas.

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El Dorado British  

/ ɛl dɒˈrɑːdəʊ, ɛl doˈraðo /

noun

1. a fabled city in South America, rich in treasure and sought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century

2. Also: eldorado.  any place of great riches or fabulous opportunity

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El Dorado Cultural  

1. A place of fabulous wealth, or an opportunity to obtain it. During the gold rush many adventurers believed that California would be their El Dorado. The name comes from the name of a legendary South American city of stupendous riches sought by Spanish conquistadores.

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Etymology

Origin of El Dorado

C16: from Spanish, literally: the gilded (place)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

El Dorado

The fire burned for more than 50 days, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in Placer and El Dorado counties.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

El Dorado is controlled by a gangster known only by his first name, Fabio, a Pablo Escobar-type character who has ingratiated himself with locals through acts of charity.

From Barron's ● Jun. 4, 2026

And yet some residents of El Dorado, a gold mining town situated in the heart of the Mining Arc, appreciate their presence, one inhabitant told AFP.

From Barron's ● Jun. 4, 2026

“For everyone who adventures in El Dorado County, remember to be prepared and stay safe.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026

Having no idea where to find El Dorado, he blundered randomly for months about the eastern foothills of the Andes, then as now a country of deep forest.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann