bcc: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Professional, Technical
Quick answer
What does “bcc” mean?
To send a copy of an email to one or more recipients without the primary recipient(s) knowing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To send a copy of an email to one or more recipients without the primary recipient(s) knowing.
As a noun: the field in an email interface where these hidden recipients are listed. Also used as a verb to describe the act of adding someone as a hidden recipient.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling 'carbon copy' is the same in both variants.
Connotations
Neutral/Professional. Slightly more formal than simply 'copying' someone.
Frequency
Equally common in professional and digital communication contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “bcc” in a Sentence
SUBJ + bcc + OBJ (recipient) + on + OBJ (email/thread)SUBJ + put + OBJ (recipient) + in the bcc fieldVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bcc” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please bcc the project manager on all correspondence with the client.
- I forgot to bcc my supervisor, so the client saw her email address.
American English
- Always bcc HR when sending the final offer letter.
- She bcc'd the entire team on the reply for their reference.
adjective
British English
- The bcc recipient list is confidential.
- Ensure you use the bcc field for mass mailouts.
American English
- Find his address in the bcc header of the old email.
- A bcc copy of the memo was sent to legal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for protecting client confidentiality when sending group emails, or for discreetly including a manager in a communication.
Academic
Used by administrators for mass emailing students while protecting their email addresses from being shared with the entire group.
Everyday
Less common in casual communication; typically used for planning surprises or managing large group emails (e.g., party invitations).
Technical
A standard email header field (Bcc:) defined in RFC 5322 for internet message format.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bcc”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bcc”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bcc”
- Using 'bcc' as a past tense verb (e.g., 'I bcc'd him'). While understood, it's informal.
- Confusing 'bcc' with 'cc'. 'Cc' is for open copies; 'bcc' is for hidden ones.
- Writing it as 'BCC' in all caps in running text; standard style is 'bcc' after the first introduction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Each 'bcc' recipient only sees their own address and the addresses in the 'To' and 'Cc' fields. They cannot see other 'bcc' recipients.
Typically, your reply will only go to the original sender (the person whose address is in the 'From' field), not to the other recipients. However, this can depend on your email client's settings.
Not inherently. It is professional when used for privacy (protecting contact lists) or for discreet oversight. It can be considered deceptive if used to secretly monitor communications without consent.
'Cc' (carbon copy) is for recipients who are openly copied; everyone can see who is cc'd. 'Bcc' (blind carbon copy) is for hidden copies; other recipients cannot see who is bcc'd.
To send a copy of an email to one or more recipients without the primary recipient(s) knowing.
Bcc is usually formal/professional, technical in register.
Bcc: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbiː.siːˈsiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbi.siˈsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **B**lind person who cannot see others. **Bcc** hides recipients so the 'To' and 'Cc' people cannot 'see' them.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS VISIBILITY / Hiding a recipient is making them invisible to others.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of using the 'bcc' field?