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

While there isn't a vaccine for the common cold, the CDC recommends several vaccines for pregnant people to protect both them and their babies. —Robin Elise Weiss, Phd, Parents, 30 July 2024

The Paris Games also drop all previous COVID protocols, instead approaching the disease like other respiratory illnesses such as the common cold or the flu: officials now allow athletes and teams to determine for themselves how to prevent or respond to infection. —Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2024

Covid symptoms For people who have been through at least one Covid infection, or are up to date with the vaccines, symptoms often resemble a common cold or other respiratory illness. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 24 July 2024

The combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is better at alleviating the common cold symptoms. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 17 July 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)