cold sore
noun
: a group of fluid-filled blisters appearing about or within the mouth that are caused by a herpes simplex virus and upon rupturing form crusts
called also fever blister
compare canker soreExamples of cold sore in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer’s also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores.
—
Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s isn’t known, it’s been hypothesized that the very common HSV-1, the virus that causes cold sores, might contribute to Alzheimer’s disease by causing a chronic infection in the brain, leading to inflammation and neurodegeneration.
—Paul McClure 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2025
People can transmit oral herpes without a visible cold sore.
—Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Previous studies have attributed persistent medical conditions astronauts on the ISS have reported, such as skin rashes, cold sores and some atypical allergies, to their altered immune systems.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold sore
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Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s isn’t known, it’s been hypothesized that the very common HSV-1, the virus that causes cold sores, might contribute to Alzheimer’s disease by causing a chronic infection in the brain, leading to inflammation and neurodegeneration.
—Paul McClure 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2025
People can transmit oral herpes without a visible cold sore.
—Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Previous studies have attributed persistent medical conditions astronauts on the ISS have reported, such as skin rashes, cold sores and some atypical allergies, to their altered immune systems.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold sore
Cite this Entry
“Cold sore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20sore. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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