Compound Noun: Explanation, Types, Examples, and Worksheet

What Is the Meaning of Compound Noun?

A compound noun, in simplified terms, is a noun made up of two or more existing words, combined to create a single meaning. They are extremely common and are used in everyday English. These words can be simply joined together (toothpaste), using a hyphen (mother-in-law), or written as separate words (swimming pool). Whatever may be the form, compound nouns function as one unit.

Besides, these are so essential because they help convey more specific meanings than individual words alone, making language concise and precise.

For example, "notebook," "bus stop," and "check-in".

• Compound noun definition, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, “Some nouns consist of more than one word. These are compound nouns. Compound nouns can be formed in different ways.”
• The definition of compound nounas per the Oxford Learners’ Dictionary is a compound noun as a noun, an adjective, or a verb made of two or more words or parts of words, written as one or more words, or joined by a hyphen.

Now that you have a brief idea about compound noun definition and examples, read the next section and learn about the three types of compound nouns.

Types of Compound Nouns and Their Examples

There are majorly three types of Compound Nouns.

1. Closed or Solid Form Compound Nouns

2. Hyphenated Compound Nouns

3. Spaced or Open Form Compound Nouns

1. Spaced or Open Compound Noun

A spaced or open compound noun is one in which there is a space between the two words. A few compound noun examples in sentences are stated below:

• I am going to buy a new cricket bat
• Pizza is my favorite fast food.
• She owns a flower shop in Dubai.

2. Hyphenated Compound Nouns

A hyphenated compound noun is one in which the two words are separated with the use of a hyphen. Look at the hyphenated compound noun examples in sentences below:

• Exercise is important for both mental and physical well-being.
• My mother-in-law is a strong woman.
• I will check-in at the hotel today.

3. Closed or Solid Compound Nouns

A closed or solid compound noun is one in which the two words do not have any spaces or hyphens separating them. They are usually considered as a single word. Here are a few examples in sentences.

• Sunflower is my favorite flower.
• My classroom is quite spacious.
• We had rainfall last month.

How Are Compound Nouns Formed?

Compound nouns are formed by combining two or more words, and they can act as the subject or object of a sentence, or be part of a compound subject or object. Besides, they appear in three forms: open or with spaces (“ice cream”), hyphenated (“mother-in-law”), or closed, as one word (“sunflower”). No matter which forms they appear in, they function as a single noun in a sentence.

These could be nouns, adjectives, verbs, or prepositions. These are crucial to create a single noun with a new meaning. Common patterns include noun + noun (toothbrush), adjective + noun (blackboard), or verb + noun (swimming pool). Listed below are different compound nouns formed.

Noun + Noun

Verb + Noun

Adjective + Noun

Preposition + Noun

Verb + Preposition

Examples of Compound Nouns in Everyday English

The best way to understand compound nouns is by looking at the examples. Thus, here are examples of compound noun for each type of compound noun used in everyday English:

1. Closed Form Compound Nouns - These are formed as one word with no spaces or hyphens. Here are a few closed form compound noun examples mentioned below:

1. Toothpaste
2. Bedroom
3. Haircut
4. Notebook
5. Football
6. Sunshine
7. Airport
8. Cupcake
9. Newspaper
10. Wallpaper

2. Hyphenated Compound Nouns- These compound nouns are formed by joined by a hyphen. Hyphenated examples of compound noun are listed here:

1. Mother-in-law
2. Editor-in-chief
3. Check-in
4. Runner-up
5. Sister-in-law
6. Well-being
7. Passer-by
8. Brother-in-law
9. Self-esteem
10. Twenty-one

3. Open Form Compound Nouns: Words written separately but together form a noun. Look at the open form compound noun examples mentioned below:

1. Coffee table
2. Post office
3. Swimming pool
4. Bus stop
5. Ice cream
6. High school
7. Full moon
8. Living room
9. Credit card
10. Police station

Worksheet of Compound Noun

Here is acompound noun worksheet to test your skills. You may read the instructions below and assess yourself. Besides, an answer key is also provided at the end of the worksheet.

Instructions: For the questions given below, select or identify the compound noun in each sentence.

Exercise: Identify or Select the Compound Noun

1. The children played football in the park.

2. She put her books in her backpack.

3. The marble dining - table looks beautiful.

4. My mother reads the newspaper every morning.

5. We saw a butterfly in the garden.

6. The bus stopped at the bus stop.

7. I keep my toothbrush in the bathroom.

8. The playground was full of happy kids.

9. The raincoat kept me dry in the storm.

10. She is my mother-in-law.

Answers Key

1. football

2. backpack

3. dining - table

4. newspaper

5. butterfly

6. bus stop

7. toothbrush

8. playground

9. raincoat

10. mother-in-law

Conclusion

To wrap up, the blog covered compound noun definition and examples for your reference. Understanding these is essential as they are considered fundamental to mastering the language. Moreover, learning how they are formed is vital as compound nouns are used in everyday writing and speaking. Besides, learning these may also help you prepare for various language exams and tests. If you are seeking professional help, then Gradding.com is a one-stop solution for all your issues.

FAQ’s

1. What Is a Compound Noun?

A compound noun is a noun that is formed using two or more existing words. Using these words makes

2. Give Some Compound Noun Examples in Sentences.

Compound nouns are nouns made of two or more words. Here are compound noun examples in sentences for your reference:

• The police officer directed vehicles to avoid
• I always take the shopping cart when I go to the grocery store.
• My mother-in-law is going on a trip with her friends.

3. What Is the Difference Between Compound and Collective Nouns?

Although both compound and collective nouns are related to combining words but they have distinct functions. Compound nouns are formed by combining two or more words to create a new noun, while collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals, or things as a single entity.

4. Is Brunch a Compound Noun?

Although brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, however, it is not a compound noun. It is a portmanteau, meaning it is formed by blending parts of two words.