cold sore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Everyday, Medical
Quick answer
What does “cold sore” mean?
A small, painful blister or group of blisters, usually appearing on or near the lips, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, painful blister or group of blisters, usually appearing on or near the lips, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).
A common viral infection characterized by recurring outbreaks of fluid-filled lesions; sometimes used metaphorically to describe a visible, undesirable physical blemish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'cold sore' as the primary term. 'Fever blister' is a common synonym in American English, less common in British English.
Connotations
Neutral medical/social term in both. Can carry slight social stigma or embarrassment due to visibility and viral nature.
Frequency
High frequency in both, with 'cold sore' being the dominant term in the UK and equally common in the US alongside 'fever blister'.
Grammar
How to Use “cold sore” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/gets a cold sore.[Subject] is treating their cold sore with [treatment].A cold sore appeared on [possessive] lip.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cold sore” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I feel one starting to cold-sore. (informal, rare)
- She's been cold-sored for a week. (informal, rare)
American English
- I think I'm cold-soring. (informal, rare)
- He always cold-sores when stressed. (informal, rare)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no common examples)
American English
- (Not standard; no common examples)
adjective
British English
- She used a cold-sore patch.
- He bought a cold-sore cream from the chemist.
American English
- She used a cold-sore patch.
- He bought a cold-sore cream from the drugstore.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like pharmaceutical sales or health insurance.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and public health contexts.
Everyday
Very common in personal health discussions, pharmacy, and casual conversation.
Technical
Used in dermatology and virology; formal term is 'herpes labialis'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cold sore”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cold sore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cold sore”
- Misspelling as 'coldsore' (should be two words or hyphenated: cold-sore).
- Using it for canker sores (which occur inside the mouth).
- Pronouncing 'sore' like 'saw' instead of /sɔːr/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are highly contagious when the blister is present or weeping. The virus can spread through direct contact, such as kissing, or sharing utensils or towels.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and appear primarily on the outer lip. Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are not viral, not contagious, and occur inside the mouth on soft tissues.
No, there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. Once infected, the virus remains in the body. However, treatments can manage symptoms, speed healing, and reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
Common triggers include stress, fatigue, fever or illness (hence 'cold' sore), sunlight (UV exposure), hormonal changes, and minor trauma to the skin.
A small, painful blister or group of blisters, usually appearing on or near the lips, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).
Cold sore is usually informal, everyday, medical in register.
Cold sore: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊld ˌsɔː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊld ˌsɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None directly; the term is itself specific)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A SORE that often comes when you have a COLD or are run down. COLD + SORE = blister on lip.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE VIRUS IS AN UNWELCOME GUEST (it revisits, outbreaks are 'flare-ups'). THE FACE IS A MAP OF HEALTH (blemishes indicate internal state).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary cause of a cold sore?