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
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One meta-analysis found that zinc acetate lozenges may triple the rate of recovery from the common cold.
—
Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
While both the flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, the flu is caused by influenza viruses, while the common cold can be caused by varying viruses, according to USA TODAY.
—Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 13 Jan. 2026
As the winter season comes in, your risk for illness, like the flu or common cold, rise.
—Kirstyn Hill, Health, 13 Jan. 2026
The common cold Colds are spreading fast, too, and develop more slowly.
—Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
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“Common cold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20cold. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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