WC
WC (noun) means a toilet, or the small room containing one; the standard sign for public lavatories across much of Europe. Example: “Follow the corridor and the WC is on your left.”
How to use WC
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA toilet — the letters on the door sign.
British and continental European rather than American; a US reader is far likelier to say restroom. On property listings a "separate WC" means a toilet in its own small room, without a bath or shower.
Nobody says "I'm going to the WC" in conversational British English — it is a written and signposted word. Say loo or toilet aloud.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Follow the corridor and the _____ is on your left.
Etymology
An abbreviation of water closet, the Victorian term for a flushing lavatory.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does WC stand for on a toilet door?
Water closet. It dates from the era when a flushing lavatory was a small closet with a water supply, and it survived as a compact, language-neutral sign across Europe.
What is the difference between a WC and a bathroom?
A WC contains a toilet and usually a small basin. A bathroom contains a bath or shower as well. British property adverts list them separately for exactly that reason.
Is WC used in America?
Rarely. Americans say restroom, bathroom or men's/ladies' room, and the WC sign is mostly encountered when travelling in Europe.
What is the meaning of WC?
"WC" (noun) means a toilet, or the small room containing one; the standard sign for public lavatories across much of Europe.