get a cold

/ɡɛt ə kəʊld/
phrasal verbBeginner💡 contract a respiratory illness
informal

To become ill with a common respiratory infection, typically involving symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.

I always get a cold in winter.

I frequently catch a respiratory illness during the winter season.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in everyday language to describe catching a mild illness.

Collocations

get a cold fromto catch a cold because ofget a cold easilyto frequently catch colds

Related Phrases

catch a coldphrase
to become ill with a cold
come down with a coldphrase
to start experiencing cold symptoms

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

This phrase is often used in everyday conversation to describe catching a cold.

📖Word Origin

The phrase 'get a cold' is a common expression in English, combining the verb 'get' (to acquire) with 'a cold' (a mild respiratory illness).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is widely used in informal contexts to describe catching a cold. It is not considered idiomatic as the meaning can be understood literally.

Word Breakdown

get
to acquire or contract
verb
+
a cold
a mild respiratory illness
noun phrase
English Dictionary