rhinovirus

noun

rhi·​no·​vi·​rus ˌrī-nō-ˈvī-rəs 

plural rhinoviruses

: any of three enteroviruses (Enterovirus alpharhino, E. betarhino, and E. cerhino) having numerous serotypes causing respiratory infections (such as the common cold) in humans

Examples of rhinovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The common cold is typically caused by rhinoviruses. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Dec. 2025

Predominantly, those cases have been the common cold rhinoviruses and influenza. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

The study team also monitored participants for infection with other respiratory viruses, including the common cold coronaviruses, influenza, rhinovirus and parainfluenza. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025

Additionally, there was a lower incidence of rhinovirus infections (such as those that cause the common cold). —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rhinovirus

• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• parvovirus
• reovirus
• retrovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• poliovirus
• cytomegalovirus

Medical Definition

rhinovirus

noun

rhi·​no·​vi·​rus ˌrī-nō-ˈvī-rəs 

: any of three enteroviruses (Enterovirus alpharhino, E. betarhino, and E. cerhino) having numerous serotypes that cause respiratory infections (such as the common cold) in humans