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

Viral pneumonia can sometimes stem from viruses that include the flu, common cold, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to Cleveland Clinic. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2025

Bill Clinton Was Treated At A Hospital For The Flu Mistaking the flu for a common cold can be like mistaking a lion for a house cat. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Pertussis is challenging to diagnose because early symptoms can resemble a common cold, meaning that many cases go unreported. —Sabrina Malhi The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 26 Dec. 2024

This approach means the data may include other respiratory illnesses like RSV or the common cold. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for common cold

• copyhold
• decontrolled
• hundredfold
• manifold
• marigold
• oversold
• petioled
• sevenfold
• stranglehold
• subthreshold
• thousandfold
• uncontrolled

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)