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 ingredient, called phenylephrine, is found in common cold and allergy medications, including Sudafed PE, Vicks Nyquil Sinex Nighttime Sinus Relief and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion.
—
Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Sep. 2023
That spells trouble on the health front as return-to-office mandates harden and office densities increase, contributing to a rise in breeding grounds for contagious illnesses such as influenza and the common cold.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas News, 23 Aug. 2023
There may also be side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, fatigue, the common cold, and urinary tract infection.
—Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2023
Traditionally made with whiskey or bourbon, lemon, cinnamon, and honey, the warm hot toddy has long been hailed as an antidote to the common cold.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 25 July 2023
Key Takeaways There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold.
—Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 6 July 2023
Although the infection feels like a cold or the flu for many people, this is not the common cold.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 10 Sep. 2023
The data showed short sleep duration increased susceptibility to the common cold.
—Rachel Swalin, Health, 6 Aug. 2023
There’s a lot of overlap among the warning signs of illnesses that spike during fall, winter, and even early spring, like the common cold, COVID-19, influenza, and strep throat.
—Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 22 Mar. 2023
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Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Sep. 2023
That spells trouble on the health front as return-to-office mandates harden and office densities increase, contributing to a rise in breeding grounds for contagious illnesses such as influenza and the common cold.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas News, 23 Aug. 2023
There may also be side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, fatigue, the common cold, and urinary tract infection.
—Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2023
Traditionally made with whiskey or bourbon, lemon, cinnamon, and honey, the warm hot toddy has long been hailed as an antidote to the common cold.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 25 July 2023
Key Takeaways There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold.
—Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 6 July 2023
Although the infection feels like a cold or the flu for many people, this is not the common cold.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 10 Sep. 2023
The data showed short sleep duration increased susceptibility to the common cold.
—Rachel Swalin, Health, 6 Aug. 2023
There’s a lot of overlap among the warning signs of illnesses that spike during fall, winter, and even early spring, like the common cold, COVID-19, influenza, and strep throat.
—Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 22 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'common cold.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1713, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near common cold
Cite this Entry
“Common cold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20cold. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.
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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)
More from Merriam-Webster on common cold
Nglish: Translation of common cold for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about common cold
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