common cold

noun

: an acute disease of the upper respiratory tract that is marked by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, eyes, and eustachian tubes and by a watery then purulent discharge and is caused by any of several viruses (such as a rhinovirus or an adenovirus)

Examples of common cold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s because the common cold and the flu are often transmitted through airborne viral droplets. —Cheyenne Buckingham, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2024

As fall deepens, common colds and the flu are spreading, but one poke can help protect your health. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 28 Oct. 2024

Infections like the common cold or flu cause the immune system to ramp up. —Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024

These viruses, however, are not the kind that will give you the common cold or flu (or worse). —Issy Ronald, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

common cold

noun

: a contagious viral illness of the structures used in breathing which causes the nose and throat to be sore, swollen, and inflamed and in which there is usually much mucus and coughing and sneezing

Medical Definition

common cold

noun

: an acute contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract that is marked by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, eyes, and eustachian tubes with a watery then purulent discharge and is caused by any of several viruses (as a rhinovirus or an adenovirus)