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

Something as benign as a common cold had the potential to be deadly. —Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Compared to warm mist humidifiers, research suggests that cool mist counterparts could also be more effective at alleviating common cold and flu symptoms like sinus and respiratory discomfort. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025

Along with flu, winter months are highs for the common cold, RSV and COVID-19. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025

Most of us will catch the common cold at least eight times this year. —Maya Dollarhide, Parents, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for common cold

• copyhold
• decontrolled
• hundredfold
• manifold
• marigold
• oversold
• petioled
• sevenfold
• stranglehold
• subthreshold
• thousandfold
• uncontrolled

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)