c

noun

ˈsē 

variants often C

plural c's or cs ˈsēz 

often attributive

1

a

: the 3rd letter of the English alphabet

b

: a graphic representation of this letter

c

: a speech counterpart of orthographic c

2

a

: one hundred see Table of Numbers

b

slang : a sum of $100

3

: the keynote of a C-major scale

4

: a graphic device for reproducing the letter c

5

: one designated c especially as the third in order or class

6

a

: a grade rating a student's work as fair or mediocre in quality

b

: one graded or rated with a C

7

: something shaped like the letter C

8

: a structured language for creating computer programs that is designed to be compact and efficient

Did you know?

Words Starting With C

Browse 33,831 words and phrases that start with the letter C, from caaing whale to czechize.

Examples of c in a Sentence

The word “access” is spelled with two cs.

Many English words begin with c.

a song in the key of C

Recent Examples on the Web

Two people can use the opposite sides simultaneously, with each screen being able to connect to its own device via USB-C or HDMI. —New Atlas, 8 June 2026

The drug abuse occurred prior to Ramirez’s imprisonment (more than two decades earlier) and was likely the cause of his hepatitis C infection, the Marin County assistant chief deputy coroner told USA Today. —Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

The pool also includes a 1,000-gallon filter pump, a Type III A/C filter cartridge, a ladder, and a cover to keep it clean when not in use. —Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 6 June 2026

Called hydrogenesis, the products from the first step are passed over special catalysts at 320°F (160°C) to make useful molecules like cycloalkanes, dense hydrocarbons, jet-fuel-range molecules. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing c

• c-suite
• c to c
• cytochrome c

Kids Definition

c

noun

ˈsē

often capitalized

1

: the third letter of the English alphabet

2

: one hundred in Roman numerals

3

: a musical note referred to by the letter C : the tone on which a C-major scale is based

4

: a grade rating a student's work as fair or mediocre

Medical Definition

c

1 of 3 abbreviation

1

calorie

2

canine

3

cathode

4

centimeter

5

clonus

6

closure

7

cobalt

8

coefficient

9

contact

10

contraction

11

coulomb

12

curie

13

cylinder

14

or c̄ [Latin cum] with

—used in writing prescriptions

C

2 of 3 abbreviation

1

Celsius

2

centigrade

3

cervical

—used especially with a number from 1 to 7 to indicate a vertebra or segment of the spinal cord

4

cocaine

5

complement

6

congius

7

cytosine

C

3 of 3 symbol

carbon

Legal Definition

c

abbreviation

copyright