El Dorado

American  

[el duh-rah-doh, -ray-, el daw-rah-thaw, el duh-ray-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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of El Dorado

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

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

El Dorado

Victoria Summers from El Dorado Hills, Calif., told me that her husband, Rob, surprised her with a three-carat diamond band for their 30th anniversary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

"The image of a European El Dorado remains very strong" in Morocco, sociologist Soumaya Naamane Guessos told AFP.

From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026

“It’s not called off,” El Dorado sheriff’s deputy Gregory Almos said of the search.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 7, 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

“It’s like comparin’ an El Dorado to a Volkswagen.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---