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

This approach means the data may include other respiratory illnesses like RSV or the common cold. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 6 Dec. 2024

Context: Whooping cough might start like a common cold, but the coughing can last for weeks or months. —Joe Guillen, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024

The use of vitamin C after the onset of the common cold for treatment is unclear. —Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024

The onset of symptoms can look a lot like the common cold. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 21 Nov. 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)