What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sores
Example
The athlete had sores on his feet from running in tight shoes. [sores: noun]
Example
She developed cold sores after being exposed to the virus. [sores: noun]
wound
Example
He suffered a wound on his leg after falling off his bike. [wound: noun]
Example
The doctor cleaned and dressed the wound before applying a bandage. [wound: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wound is more commonly used than sores in everyday language. Wound is a versatile term that covers a wide range of injuries, while sores is more specific and often associated with certain conditions or infections.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sores and wound?
Both sores and wounds can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but wound may be more commonly used in medical or technical settings due to its broader definition and severity.