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

The common cold is an infection of the nose and throat. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Even a common cold could be deadly. —Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025

Echinacea is still being studied for its effects on the common cold and other respiratory tract infections. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025

Viral pneumonia can sometimes stem from viruses that include the flu, common cold, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to Cleveland Clinic. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 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)