What is CC in Email? Meaning, Use Cases, and Etiquette

CC stands for Carbon Copy and is used to include additional recipients on an email where everyone can see who else received the message. CC is typically used to keep teammates, managers, or stakeholders informed without making them the primary recipient.

Good CC etiquette means adding people only when it helps the conversation. Overusing CC can create noise and reduce accountability because it becomes unclear who is expected to respond or take action.

If you need privacy, use BCC instead. If you want someone to take ownership, address them directly in the “To” field and use a clear request in the email body.