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.
Mathieu had been experiencing symptoms of a common cold over the past few days. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2025 Early symptoms of the disease look like a common cold: low-grade fever, mild cough and runny or stuffy nose. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 These include any virus that can affect the respiratory system, including influenza (flu) viruses, the adenovirus (similar to the common cold), RSV, human metapneumovirus and the coronavirus (COVID-19). Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 May 2025 But the link between the immune system and psoriatic arthritis also means that being stressed or having infections like the common cold or flu can cause a flare or worsen joint issues, Hsu says. Korin Miller, Flow Space, 18 July 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 4 Aug. 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on common cold

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