Learn all about a type of noun that is known as a compound noun in English. In this lesson, we will learn the definition, rules, usage, and some helpful example sentences of compound nouns in English. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of compound nouns and be able to use them confidently in your own writing and conversations. Let’s explore today’s lesson:
Compound Nouns Definition
Compound nouns are nouns that are formed by combining two or more words.
These words can be joined together, hyphenated, or written as separate words. Compound nouns can be made up of various combinations, including noun + noun, adjective + noun, verb + noun, and preposition + noun. Here are the types, usage guidelines, and examples of compound nouns in English:
Types of Compound Nouns
Combining two or more words results in a compound noun, which has a new meaning. Compound nouns come in three varieties:
- Closed or Solid Compound Nouns
- Open Compound Nouns
- Hyphenated Compound Nouns
Compound nouns add specificity and clarity to the sentences, helping to convey complex ideas in a concise manner.
1. Closed or Solid Compound Nouns
Closed or solid compound nouns have no hyphens or spaces between the words; they are written as a single word. Another name for them is “solid compound nouns.” “Toothpaste,” “sunset,” and “butterfly” are a few examples.
Here are some other examples:
- Basketball
- Newspaper
- Toothbrush
- Headache
- Bedroom
- Sunflower
- Seashell
- Raincoat
- Earthquake
- Windshield
- Noun: Definition, 12 Types, and Helpful Examples
2. Open Compound Nouns
Open compound nouns are composed of two or more independent words. The words are not separated by hyphens or spaces. Open compound nouns contain words like “high school,” “ice cream,” and “coffee table.”
Here are some other examples:
- Ice cream
- High school
- Swimming pool
- Traffic light
- School bus
- Post office
- Full moon
- Rain forest
- Bird house
- Tennis court
- Pronoun: Definition, Types, and Helpful Examples
3. Hyphenated Compound Nouns
Hyphens are used to join two or more words to generate hyphenated compound nouns. They go by the name “hyphenated compound words” as well. Mother-in-law, wellbeing, and self-esteem are a few examples.
Here are some other examples:
- Self-esteem
- Mother-in-law
- Editor-in-chief
- Decision-making
- Twenty-one
- Up-to-date
- State-of-the-art
- One-eyed
- Part-time
- Jack-o’-lantern
- Verb: Definition, Types, and Helpful Examples
Usage of Compound Nouns:
- Noun + Noun: Combining two nouns is one of the most popular techniques to create compound nouns. The second noun is changed by the first noun to produce a new word with a different meaning.
- Examples are: Coffee table, Football stadium, Bus stop, Bookstore, Dog house, Shoe store, Tennis shoe, Swimming pool, Rain forest, Fruit salad, and etc.
- Common Nouns Definition, Rules, and Examples
- Adjective + Noun: Combining an adjective and a noun is another technique for creating compound nouns. The noun is changed by the adjective to produce a new term with a different meaning.
- Examples are: Blueberry, Redhead, Happy hour, Darkroom, Fast food, Bigfoot, Sweetheart, Softball, Cold water, Sunny day, and etc.
- Adjective: Definition, Types, and Helpful Examples
- Verb + Noun: Compound nouns can also be formed by combining a verb and a noun. The verb acts as an adjective, modifying the noun to create a new word with a new meaning.
- Examples are: Swimsuit, Breakwater, Runway, Headlight, Haircut, Bookshelf, Sunset, Watchdog, Highlight, Ice cream, and etc.
- Proper Nouns Definition, Rules, and Examples
- Noun + Verb: Compound nouns can also be formed by combining a noun and a verb. The noun acts as the subject of the verb, creating a new word with a new meaning.
- Examples are: Car wash, Time travel, Doorstop, Watercolor, Sunscreen, Air travel, Wordplay, Hair dye, Blood test, Fireworks, and etc.
- Concrete Noun Definition, Rules, and Usage
- Noun + Preposition: Compound nouns can also be formed by combining a noun and a preposition. The preposition modifies the noun to create a new word with a new meaning.Here are some examples:
- Outfit of the day (OOTD)
- Point of view (POV)
- State of mind
- Wall of fame
- Heart of gold
- Bag of tricks
- Book of knowledge
- Game plan
- Body of water
- Chain of command
- 100 Examples of Prepositions in English
- Compounds with Numbers: Compounds with numbers refer to compound nouns that include numerical elements. These compounds are formed by combining a number with another word or words, and they are used to express quantities, measurements, or specific numerical concepts.
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- Examples: twenty-one, fifty-five, three-dimensional
- Abstract Noun Definition, Rules, Usage, and Example Sentences
List of Common Compound Nouns in English
- Anymore
- Anyplace
- Anything
- Anywhere
- Airline
- Airport
- Aircraft
- Armchair
- Boyfriend
- Battlefield
- Background
- Basketball
- Battleship
- Backache
- Birthday
- Blackboard
- Bookshelf
- Bookworm
- Booklet
- Breakfast
- Brainstorm
- Briefcase
- Butterfly
- Countdown
- Comeback
- Carpet
- Cowboy
- Cupboard
- Chopstick
- Classmate
- Daredevil
- Dishwasher
- Dishwater
- Doorstop
- Doorway
- Daydream
- Dragonfly
- Everybody
- Everything
- Earrings
- Eyeglasses
- Eyeball
- Evergreen
- Everybody
- Everyday
- Fingerprint
- Fireworks
- Football
- Footprint
- Forecast
- Friendship
- Gentleman
- Goldfish
- Grandfather
- Grandmother
- Grasshopper
- Greenhouse
- Hallway
- Handcuff
- Haircut
- Headache
- Heartbeat
- Handmade
- Highway
- Homework
- Horsefly
- Houseboat
- Inside
- Ladybug
- Landlady
- Leadership
- Lighthouse
- Lifespan
- Moonlight
- Myself
- Notebook
- Newspaper
- Nobody
- Onset
- Outside
- Overboard
- Overdose
- Overdue
- Pancake
- Partnership
- Photocopy
- Policeman
- Popcorn
- Postman
- Railway
- Rainbow
- Raindrops
- Raincoat
- Rattlesnake
- Ringworm
- Sandbags
- Seafood
- Seashore
- Skateboard
- Skyscraper
- Sandcastle
- Snowboard
- Southeast
- Starlight
- Strawberry
- Sunlight
- Sunshine
- Teardrop
- Teacup
- Teapot
- Thunderstorm
- Timetable
- Toolbox
- Waterproof
- Wardrobe
- Weekend
- Yourself
- Self-esteem
- Mother-in-law
- Brother-in-law
- Father-in-law
- Well-being
- Self-awareness
- Self-improvement
- High-rise
- Mind-set
- Heart attack
- World view
- Record holder
- Decision-making
- Energy drink
- Labor union
- Earthquake
- Groundwater
Example Sentences of Compound Nouns:
- She received a beautiful birthday card from her friends.
- The children played in the treehouse for hours.
- The detective examined the crime scene for any fingerprints.
- We visited the famous Eiffel Tower during our trip to Paris.
- The scientist conducted an experiment using a powerful microscope.
- He ordered a delicious chocolate cake for dessert.
- The athletes trained for the upcoming marathon.
- The students presented their research project to the class.
- She wore a stunning wedding gown on her big day.
- The company organized a team-building workshop for employees.
- The hikers climbed to the top of the mountain peak.
- The chef prepared a flavorful three-course meal for the guests.
- The children enjoyed a refreshing swim in the swimming pool.
- The musician played a beautiful melody on the piano.
- We went on a scenic road trip across the country.
- The scientist made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of nanotechnology.
- The photographer captured a stunning image of the sunset.
- The company implemented a new safety protocol for employees.
- She found her lost keys in the living room.
- The team won the championship trophy after a tough competition.
- The doctor prescribed a new painkiller for the patient.
- The children built a colorful sandcastle on the beach.
- The author wrote a gripping mystery novel.
- The project required a detailed cost estimate.
- The student received an award for his outstanding community service.
- The cat curled up in the cozy window seat.
- We enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal with the family.
- The teacher assigned a challenging homework assignment.
- The team celebrated their victory with a champagne toast.
- The architect designed a modern office building for the company.
- The engineer developed a new energy-efficient technology.
- The children played with their new board game.
- The garden was filled with colorful wildflowers.
- The team discussed the marketing strategy for the new product.
- She received a scholarship for her outstanding academic achievement.
- The mechanic repaired the car engine.
- The artist created a stunning oil painting for the exhibition.
- The students participated in a lively classroom discussion.
- The lawyer prepared a thorough legal document for the case.
- The chef specialized in creating unique fusion cuisine.
- The athlete trained for the triathlon competition.
- The couple bought a cozy cottage in the countryside.
- The doctor recommended a new diet plan for the patient.
- The team organized a successful fundraising event for charity.
- The project required a detailed project management plan.
- The musician played a haunting melody on the flute.
- The children played with their new video game.
- The students participated in a science experiment in the lab.
- The company introduced a new customer loyalty program.
- The author wrote a captivating science fiction novel.
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Compound Nouns | Charts
Compound Nouns Definition, Types, Usage, and Examples
