cold sore

noun

: a group of fluid-filled blisters appearing about or within the mouth that are caused by a herpes simplex virus and upon rupturing form crusts

called also fever blister

compare canker sore

Examples of cold sore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Previous studies have attributed persistent medical conditions astronauts on the ISS have reported, such as skin rashes, cold sores and some atypical allergies, to their altered immune systems. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025

But some over-the-counter products can help reduce pain while cold sores heal. —Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025

This can create a vicious cycle of one cold sore healing while another forms. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 20 Dec. 2024

Rarer side effects include blisters, a herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreak, infections, scarring, and skin lightening or darkening. —Laura Schober, Health, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cold sore

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

cold sore

noun

: a group of blisters about or within the mouth caused by a herpes virus

called also fever blister

Medical Definition

cold sore

noun

: a vesicular lesion that typically occurs in or around the mouth, that initially causes pain, burning, or itching before bursting and crusting over, and that is caused by a herpes simplex virus which remains dormant in the body and may be reactivated by a variety of factors (as stress, fever, or sunburn)

called also fever blister

compare canker sore