noun

WC

double-yoo-SEE

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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.”

noun

A toilet, or the small room containing one; the standard sign for public lavatories across much of Europe.

"Follow the corridor and the WC is on your left."

"The flat has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate WC."

abbreviation

internet slang Who cares; used dismissively in chat, though far less common than the lavatory sense.

"wc, the patch notes barely change anything."

How to use WC

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA toilet — the letters on the door sign.

When to use it

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.

Memory tip

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 ↓

Easily confused with

restroom → en suite cloakroom →

Common pairings

separate WC downstairs WC WC sign public WC

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “WC” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

toilet lavatory loo restroom bathroom

Related words

can john bathroom bath Johnny pot toilet shield

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.

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