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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That means the measles virus can destroy the immunity people have built up over time to things like the common cold, the flu, bacteria that can cause pneumonia or any other pathogen. Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025 The common cold and diseases like influenza are caused by germs called viruses. Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025 The root’s assertive, sinus-clearing spice is extra appealing right now, what with winter wintering hard (and the common cold being all too, well, common). Mia Leimkuhler, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for common cold

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of common cold was in 1713

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Cite this Entry

“Common cold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20cold. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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)

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