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

Respiratory viruses, like the common cold, have similar symptoms to COVID-19 and the flu. —Sara Chernikoff, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025

As with the common cold, there is no specific treatment for HMPV and no vaccine. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

For many, the bacterial infection starts with symptoms similar to the common cold — a runny nose, sneezing, a low-grade fever and a tickly cough — but a painful, full-body cough can develop after a week or two. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Dec. 2024

The common cold is an infection of the nose and throat. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 28 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)