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 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

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

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

“Was that why I fought my way out of Durango? Was that why I built an empire greater than El Dorado’s? El Dorado bathed in gold dust every day. Did you know that?”

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer