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
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May Shorten the Duration of Cold and Flu Symptoms Elderberry may help shorten the duration of symptoms associated with the common cold or flu. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 1 Jan. 2025 Its initial symptoms are mild — similar to those of the common cold — and tend to last for one to two weeks, while its later symptoms are more severe and typically last for one to six weeks or more. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 There is no vaccine for the common cold, which is caused by rhinoviruses. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 Even a mild bout of the common cold could lead to people feeling exhausted. Katia Hetter, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near common cold

Cite this Entry

“Common cold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20cold. Accessed 26 Jan. 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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