b.c.

or B.C.

before Christ (used in indicating dates).

usage note for b.c.

The abbreviation b.c. “before Christ” is always placed after a date or century: Cleopatra lived from 69 to 30 b.c. The war took place in the first century b.c. See also a.d.1

Words nearby b.c.

b.ar., b.arch., b.arch.e., b.b., b.b.a., b.c., b.c.e., b.c.l., b.c.p., b.c.s., b.cer.e.

Definition for b.c. (2 of 3)

B.C.

Bachelor of Chemistry.
Bachelor of Commerce.
bass clarinet.
battery commander.
British Columbia.

Definition for b.c. (3 of 3)

B&C

or B and C

Insurance. building and contents.

Cultural definitions for b.c.

B.C.

An abbreviation used with dates of events that took place before the birth of Jesus. b.c. stands for before Christ. (Compare a.d.; see b.c.e.)