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

Ginger can help with nausea, stomach problems, the common cold, inflammation, and more. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Doctors typically divide whooping cough into at least three stages, which start with an initial onset of symptoms similar to the common cold, like cough and runny nose. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2024

These viruses and bacteria will be agents that cause the common cold, influenza, norovirus, COVID-19, strep throat and more. —Libby Richards, The Conversation, 9 Aug. 2024

The world needs to prepare, mentally and physically, for a future where everyone will be permanently at risk of getting COVID-19, as is true with the common cold or the flu. —Abhijit V. Banerjee, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2022

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)