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

This approach means the data may include other respiratory illnesses like RSV or the common cold. COVID-19 For the week ending on Jan. 11, the COVID test positivity rate was 6.6%, slightly lower than the week prior. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025

Respiratory illnesses like the flu, common cold, and COVID-19 tend to spread more in the winter. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Works best for: Respiratory illnesses, like RSV and common cold, with an accompanying cough and sore throat. —Maya Dollarhide, Parents, 17 Jan. 2025

Covid, cold, RSV cases up too Weiss said her medical group is also seeing a number of patients sick with COVID-19, common colds and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025

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)