common cold

American  

noun

1. cold.

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common cold British  

noun

1. a mild viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc

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common cold Scientific  

/ kŏm′ən /

1. A respiratory infection caused by any of several viruses, such as adenovirus or rhinovirus, in which the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and throat become inflamed. Common-cold symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, sneezing, and coughing.

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Etymology

Origin of common cold

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Endemicity is when an infection is constantly present, like the common cold.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Winter brings a surge of respiratory illnesses, including rhinoviruses, the most frequent cause of the common cold.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

Growing seasonal concern about overlapping respiratory illnesses such as the common cold and influenza has increased interest in ways to support immune health.

From Science Daily • Dec. 17, 2025

It could apply to a range of respiratory illnesses like influenza, RSV, covid or the common cold.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

This is not something like the common cold.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston