# CBC

/ˌsiˌbiˈsi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cbc
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. Canadian media

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

Stands for Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. It is the national public radio and television broadcaster in Canada.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Canadian national public radio and television broadcaster, operating in both English and French.

- I usually listen to the news on the CBC while driving to work.
- The CBC remains a cornerstone of Canadian cultural identity, providing a platform for domestic talent across its vast radio and television networks.

Usage: Usually takes the definite article 'the'.

### 2. medical test

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for complete blood count. A common medical test that measures the different types of cells in your blood.

For teachers: Abbreviation for complete blood count. A standard clinical blood panel used to evaluate overall health and detect disorders such as anaemia or infection.

- The doctor ordered a CBC to check if my iron levels were low.
- A routine CBC revealed an elevated white blood cell count, prompting the physician to investigate potential underlying inflammatory conditions.

Usage: Often used with the indefinite article 'a'.

### 3. US politics

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

Stands for Congressional Black Caucus. A group of African American members of the United States Congress.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Congressional Black Caucus. A legislative organization representing the African American members of the United States Congress.

- The CBC met today to discuss new laws regarding voting rights.
- As a powerful voting bloc, the CBC exerts significant influence over the legislative agenda within the Democratic party.

Usage: Usually takes the definite article 'the'.

### 4. lifestyle choice

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

Stands for childless by choice. Describes someone who has decided not to have children.

For teachers: Abbreviation for childless by choice or child-free by choice. Used to describe individuals who have made a conscious decision not to reproduce.

- They are a CBC couple who enjoy traveling the world together.
- The rise of CBC communities online reflects a growing social acceptance of lifestyles that deviate from traditional nuclear family structures.

## Examples

- The doctor ordered a CBC to check my health.
- She went to the clinic for a routine CBC before starting her new medication.
- The abnormal white blood cell count in the CBC prompted further investigation into the underlying cause of her persistent fatigue.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.