abbreviation

cc

see-SEE

Cc (abbreviation) means Carbon copy: the email field used to send a visible copy of a message to people other than the main recipient. Example: “Put the finance team in cc so they have a record.”

abbreviation

Carbon copy: the email field used to send a visible copy of a message to people other than the main recipient.

"Put the finance team in cc so they have a record."

Cubic centimetre, a unit of volume equal to one millilitre, used for engine capacity and for medical doses.

"A 125cc motorbike is enough for city riding."

"The nurse drew 5cc of saline."

Closed captions: on-screen text of the dialogue and relevant sounds in a video.

"Turn on cc if the audio is unclear."

verb

To send someone a copy of an email addressed to another person.

"Can you cc me on the reply?"

"She cc'd her manager into the thread."

How to Use Cc

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo send someone a copy of an email, or a small unit of volume.

When to use it

Neutral in all senses. As a verb it is written cc, cc'd or cced, and cc'ing.

Memory tip

Both 'cc me on the email' and 'cc me into the email' are accepted; 'cc me in' is more common in British usage.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cc vs bcc cc vs ml

Common pairings

cc me in keep him in cc 500cc engine turn on cc

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Put the finance team in _____ so they have a record.

Etymology

An initialism of carbon copy, from the sheets of carbon paper once used to produce duplicates of typed letters.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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cm3 millilitre

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cc and bcc?

Everyone on an email can see who is in the To and cc fields. Names in bcc — blind carbon copy — are hidden from all other recipients, and bcc'd recipients are also left out of any Reply All. Use cc for transparency and bcc for privacy or large mailing lists.

Why is it called cc?

It stands for carbon copy. Before photocopiers, typists placed carbon paper between sheets so a second copy of a letter was produced automatically, and the practice of noting who received that copy carried over into email.

Is a cc the same as a millilitre?

Yes. One cubic centimetre is exactly one millilitre. Engineers and mechanics tend to write cc, while medicine and cooking usually prefer ml.