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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 aforementioned vitamin C content, when taken in appropriate doses, offers a slew of potential benefits including lessening common cold symptoms, promoting heart health and making collagen, an essential protein in making the body's connective tissue, research has shown.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
There's no cure for a common cold, but some over-the-counter medicines may alleviate symptoms.
—Amanda Gardner, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
But immunity to the common cold coronaviruses is fleeting — which is why we can be infected with them so frequently.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 28 Mar. 2024
Symptoms can start like a common cold with fatigue, a low-grade fever, runny nose, sore throat or sneezing.
—Keri Brenner, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2024
The respiratory virus presents as a common cold for most adults, but can cause severe illness in babies and some young children, and is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants in the United States.
—Journal Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024
The three phases of whooping cough Whooping cough presents as the common cold initially, the according to the CDC, so watching for signs is important.
—Emilee Coblentz, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2024
Weakened immune systems, weight loss, death from illness, like common cold and diarrhea.
—CBS News, 26 Nov. 2023
These products are often used to treat common cold and flu symptoms, like coughing, fever, and sore throat.
—Ayana Underwood, SELF, 24 Jan. 2024
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 26 Apr. 2024.
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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