What does CC mean in an email? Easy guide with examples

You can choose from several receivers when composing an email in your email programme. One of them is the ‘cc’ type. But what does cc in an email mean? And what can you do with it? You will read it in this article.

What does CC mean in an email?

‘Cc’ is the abbreviation for ‘carbon copy’. The word comes from carbon paper. It is paper with which you make a second copy when you write on it. Cc means sending a copy to someone who is not the actual receiver.

Why use CC in an email?

CC is handy when you want to keep someone informed without expecting them to take action. For example:

• You send a reply to a colleague but CC your manager so they stay updated.
• You include a team member in CC so they have the information for reference.

In most cases, the person in CC doesn’t need to reply—but they can if necessary.

When not to use CC

While CC is convenient, overusing it can cause problems:

• Information overload: Too many people on CC can clutter inboxes.
• Privacy issues: Everyone in CC can see who else received the email.
• Confidentiality risks: Don’t include sensitive details if multiple people are copied.

What is bcc?

Besides cc, there is also the type bcc. Bcc stands for ‘blind carbon copy’. You send a copy of an email to other people, but no one can see there are multiple receivers. Often, bcc is used for privacy reasons.

What is the difference between cc and bcc?

The difference between cc and bcc is in privacy. With cc, everyone can see who received the email. With bcc, the receivers only see their email address.

How do you use cc?

Adding a CC is simple:

1. Open your email program and compose a message.
2. In the CC field, type the email address of the person you want to copy.
3. Send your message as usual—the main recipient gets it, and the CC recipient gets a copy.

Pro tip: Use CC sparingly to keep your emails clear and professional.

Final Thoughts

CC is a small but powerful tool in email communication. It helps you keep people informed, avoid miscommunication, and maintain transparency. Just remember to use it wisely—too much CC can overwhelm or even risk confidentiality.

Want to try cc’ing for yourself but still need an email address? Buy email hosting from one.com today!