Definition

Proper noun: * A major city and port in California, USA: San Francisco is a city in western California, United States, situated on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. It is a major center for finance, culture, commerce, and technology, and is famous for its iconic landmarks, steep hills, and diverse neighborhoods.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • We are flying to San Francisco for a business conference.
  • The Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous landmark in San Francisco.
  • Many tech companies have their headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Advanced Usage

• "The City by the Bay": A common nickname for San Francisco, referencing its location on San Francisco Bay.
  • We spent a wonderful weekend in the City by the Bay.
• "Fog City": Another nickname, referring to the city's frequent and characteristic fog, especially in the summer.
  • Don't forget a jacket; it's Fog City out there today.

Variants and Related Words

• San Franciscan (noun): A person who is from or lives in San Francisco.
  • As a lifelong San Franciscan, she knows all the best restaurants.
• San Franciscan (adjective): Of or relating to San Francisco.
  • The San Franciscan architecture is a unique blend of styles.

Synonyms

• SF (abbreviation): A common written and spoken abbreviation.
  • The startup is based in SF.
• Frisco (informal/nickname): A traditional but sometimes controversial informal nickname.
  • He's been living in Frisco for twenty years.
• The City: When used by residents of the broader Bay Area, this often specifically refers to San Francisco.
  • I'm taking the train into the City for the day.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "I left my heart in San Francisco": A famous phrase from a popular song, expressing a deep fondness or nostalgic love for the city.
  • After visiting, I finally understood the song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco".

Noun

1. a port in western California near the Golden Gate that is one of the major industrial and transportation centers; it has one of the world's finest harbors; site of the Golden Gate Bridge