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

Respiratory infections like the common cold or even COVID-19 can cause fatigue too, Tirumalasetty said, along with other common allergy symptoms like a cough, headache and stuffy or runny nose. —Hannah Seo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024

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

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)