catch (a) cold — to become ill with a cold; to get infected with a common cold virus
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to become ill with a cold; to get infected with a common cold virus
Pronunciation (IPA): /kætʃ ə koʊld/
Example Sentences
- My mom always says I'll catch a cold if I don't wear socks, but I think she's just trying to sell more socks.
- I caught a cold right before my vacation - my immune system has terrible timing.
- She caught a cold from her coworker and now the whole office is sneezing like a chorus.
catch (a) cold
NOUN[/kætʃ ə koʊld/]
to become ill with a cold; to get infected with a common cold virus
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'catch a cold' combines Old English 'catch' (meaning to seize or grasp) with Old English 'ceald' (cold). The expression emerged from the historical belief that cold air seized or gripped the body, causing illness.
Breakdown
catch (to seize, grasp) + cold (from Old English ceald, meaning low temperature or chilling air). The metaphorical structure treats illness as something actively seized rather than passively acquired.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom always says I'll catch a cold if I don't wear socks, but I think she's just trying to sell more socks.”
“I caught a cold right before my vacation - my immune system has terrible timing.”
“She caught a cold from her coworker and now the whole office is sneezing like a chorus.”
“If you don't dress warmly, you might catch a cold in this weather.”
📚Related Words
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