In this section we’ll learn what are compound nouns, then we’ll see some examples to build understanding and learn how to correctly use them while writing sentences.
What are Compound Nouns?
Compound nouns are words used for name, place, animal, things, ideas or people, made up of two or more words for example – well-known, bedroom, ice cream etc. When these words are joined together they create a new word that has an entirely new meaning.
In most common form of compound nouns they have two parts. The first part tells us what kind of object or person it is, or what its purpose is for example – dry, well, bed, swimming. The second part of the word identifies the object, action or person in question.
The two words used to form a compound word have a different meaning and the word formed will have a different meaning.
Examples of Compound Nouns
Following is a long list of compound nouns which you can use to teach your kids.
| backlash | notebook | crybaby |
| oatmeal | firefly | barnyard |
| fireman | cutthroat | outdoors |
| daredevil | baseball | fishbowl |
| bathroom | pancake | darkroom |
| password | flashback | bedtime |
| foolproof | daydream | quicksand |
| butterfly | tapeworm | dustpan |
| teardrop | heartbeat | catfish |
| household | earache | teaspoon |
| eardrum | chairman | iceberg |
| checkmate | undermine | earphone |
| vineyard | inland | cheesecloth |
| jigsaw | earring | waistline |
| earthquake | chopstick | keyhole |
| clockwork | wallpaper | earthworm |
| workshop | kneecap | copycat |
| ladybug | eyeball | Worldwide |
| courthouse | aircraft | Eggplant |
| armchair | marketplace | Cowboy |
| mealtime | elsewhere | armpit |
| endless | crackpot | nightmare |
| crossbeam | background | eyebrow |
| dishwasher | billboard | footprint |
| bobcat | rainbow | drainpipe |
| raincoat | fourteen | brainstorm |
| gateway | drawbridge | railway |
| drawstring | breakfast | grapefruit |
| briefcase | sailboat | driftwood |
| scarecrow | grasshopper | bulldog |
| greenhouse | driveway | seashell |
| drumstick | buttercup | hallway |
Sentences Using Compound Nouns
Following are some examples of compound nouns in sentences.
| Compound Nouns | Sentences |
| Bus stop | Let’s just wait at the bus stop. |
| Fireflies | I love watching fireflies on warm summer nights. |
| Full moon | Let’s watch full moon come over the mountain. |
| Blackboard | Please erase the blackboard for me. |
| Washing machine | Be sure to add bleach to the washing machine. |
| Swimming Pool | Let’s be sure to stay somewhere with a swimming pool. |
| Sunrise | He always gets up before sunrise. |
| Hairstyle | I really could use updated hairstyle. |
| Checkout | Checkout is at noon. |
| Check-up | Please remember to schedule your dog’s annual check-up. |
| Past Lives | Do you believe in past lives? |
| Underworld | This city is vibrant, so it’s hard to believe it has a thriving criminal underworld. |
| Truckful | We need to truckful of mulch for the garden. |
| Mother-in-law | My mother-in-law is the kindest person I know. |
| Undercover | He is undercover on a mission. |
| Rainfall | She loves rainfall. |
| Heart attack | His dad recently got a heart attack. |
- I need to complete my worksheet.
Explanation : Here work and sheet are two different words combined to form worksheet. - Are you a bodyguard ?
Explanation : Here body and guard are two different words fused to form bodyguard. - That sunflower is really beautiful.
Explanation : Here sun and flower are two different words combined to form sunflower. - This is my living room.
Explanation : Here living and room are two different words combined to form living room. - It is a well-known painting.
Explanation : Here well and known are two different words combined to form well-known - It is a swimming pool.
Explanation : In this example swimming and pool are two different words joined to form swimming pool.
As you see the examples above, try to figure out the type of compound nouns used. The more you read and practice, the more you learn and build your vocabulary.
How to Form Compound Nouns
1. Compound nouns can be made with two nouns:
- Let’s just wait at this bus stop.
- I love watching fireflies on warm summer nights.
- While you’re at the store, please pick up some toothpaste, a six-pack of ginger ale, and some egg rolls.
2. Compound nouns can be made with an adjective and a noun:
- Let’s watch the full moon come up over the mountain.
- Please erase the blackboard for me.
3. Compound nouns can be made with a verb and a noun:
- Be sure to add bleach to the washing machine.
- Let’s be sure to stay somewhere with a swimming pool.
4. Compound nouns can be made with a noun and a verb:
- He always gets up before sunrise.
- I really could use an updated hairstyle.
5. Compound nouns can be made with a verb and a preposition:
- Checkout is at noon.
- Please remember to schedule your dog’s annual check-up.
6. Compound nouns can be made with a noun and a prepositional phrase:
- My mother-in-law is the kindest person I know.
7. Compound nouns can be made with a preposition and a noun:
- Do you believe in past lives?
- This city is vibrant, so it’s hard to believe it has a thriving criminal underworld.
8. Compound nouns can be made with a noun and an adjective:
- We need a truckful of mulch for the garden.
Note : The spelling of the two words combined is not necessarily changed when they are joined together.
Keep exploring EnglishBix to learn about different types of compound words and how they are formed.
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