rhinovirus
noun
rhi·no·vi·rus
ˌrī-nō-ˈvī-rəs 
: any of a genus (Rhinovirus) of picornaviruses including two (species Human rhinovirus A and Human rhinovirus B) having numerous serotypes causing respiratory infections (such as the common cold) in humans
Examples of rhinovirus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These include rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses.
—
Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025
According to Pfizer, viruses most commonly enter through the respiratory tract, including the nose and mouth, making this the primary route for pathogens such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and influenza viruses.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
These infections include: Common cold: An infection caused by rhinovirus, colds often start in the throat before spreading to the lungs, sinuses, lymph nodes, neck, and other areas.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
Viral infections that cause stiff neck and sore throat, like the common cold (rhinovirus) or the flu (influenza), are widespread.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhinovirus
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.
Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025
According to Pfizer, viruses most commonly enter through the respiratory tract, including the nose and mouth, making this the primary route for pathogens such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and influenza viruses.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
These infections include: Common cold: An infection caused by rhinovirus, colds often start in the throat before spreading to the lungs, sinuses, lymph nodes, neck, and other areas.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
Viral infections that cause stiff neck and sore throat, like the common cold (rhinovirus) or the flu (influenza), are widespread.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhinovirus
Cite this Entry
“Rhinovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhinovirus. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
rhinovirus
noun
rhi·no·vi·rus
ˌrī-nō-ˈvī-rəs
: any of a genus (Rhinovirus) of single-stranded RNA viruses of the family Picornaviridae including two species (Human rhinovirus A and Human rhinovirus B) having numerous serotypes that cause respiratory infections (as the common cold) in humans
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share