Compound Words: Definition, Types & Examples

What are Compound Words?

Compound words, in simple terms, are words or phrases that act as individual words but are made by combining two or more words. These words function as a crucial part of most parts of speech. However, it is important to note that the meaning of the combined word is different from the individual words.

For better understanding, go through the example of two compound words formed from two individual words but act as distinct characters. For example, the compound word butterfly is made from the individual words butter and fly. Butterfly acts as a word with a separate meaning, which is completely distinct from the definitions of butter and fly. Moreover, the word ice cream is made from the individual words ice and cream, but it is used as a word with a distinct meaning.

Definition of Compound Word

Various renowned dictionaries have defined a compound word that simplifies its meaning for learners to understand. According to the Oxford Learner's Dictionary, a compound word is defined as "a noun, an adjective, or verbs made out of two or more words but written as one word or more words, or joined by a hyphen. Further, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, a compound word is "two or more words linked together to produce a word with a new meaning."

Types of Compound Words

In English grammar, compound words can be formed in three distinct types. The method used for forming the compound word remains the same. However, there are three different types of compound words in English. They are:

• Open Compound Words
• Closed Compound Words
• Hyphenated Compound Words

So, let us understand how each of these types of compound words are formed and how they differ from each other.

1. Open Compound Words

Open compound words are words that are formed by combining two or more words but have spaces or are written separately. No matter if the words are written individually, they are still used together. In most cases, open compound words are formed by combining an adjective and a noun. The compound words list below will help you understand this type in a better way.

• Grand Parent
• Front Seat
• Search Engine
• Full Moon
• First Aid

2. Closed Compound Words

Closed compound words are those that are formed by combining the two words, but they don't carry a space like open compound words. These words act and look like individual words. For a better understanding, go through the closed compound words list of examples given below.

• Fingerprint
• Keyboard
• Somebody
• Notebook
• Smartphone

3. Hyphenated Compound Words

Hyphenated compound words, in a simple sense, are words formed by combining two or more words but have a hyphen placed between them. These words often act as compound adjectives. Go through the examples below for a better understanding of the hyphenated compound words.

• one-sided
• merry-go-round
• father-in-law
• well-being
• world-class

Rules for Forming Compound Words

Have you also tried to unite two or more words with a completely different meaning? If so, you might have found that some combinations actually work because they mean entirely different things from the individual words yet make the language exciting and interesting. However, to form a proper compound word, you must keep in mind some rules that will help you create and use compound words effectively. So, go through the points below to understand the formation of compound words in detail.

Compound words are said to be categorized into permanent compounds or temporary compounds. Permanent compounds are the words that are part of every language. However, on the other hand, temporary compounds are created to fulfil the requirements of the existing situation.

The formation of compound words can be simplified by remembering that, in most cases, compound nouns are written as closed compound words. In contrast, compound verbs are written as open compound words, while compound adjectives are generally hyphenated. However, these are not strict rules that always apply in every case; they represent the most common cases.

Examples of Compound Words

Take a look at the table given below with examples of compound words to enhance your understanding of the topic.

Do you know that compound words can be formed with adverbs combined with nouns, adjectives, or verbs? E.g., henceforth, sometimes, thereafter.

List of Compound Words in Sentences

Given below are a few sentences that are examples of compound words used in English.

• My best friend is coming over for the weekend.
• The up-to-date software version includes several new features.
• I love reading high school textbooks during my free time.
• She went to the post office to send a package.
• The bedroom door was slightly open when I entered.
• She wore a lovely rainbow dress to the party.
• The old-fashioned furniture in the room gave it a cosy feel.
• We watched the sunrise while sitting on the beach.
• He couldn’t wait to play with his football after school.
• The notebook on my desk is filled with notes from class.
• The well-known artist will be attending the gallery opening tonight.
• They discussed the swimming pool maintenance schedule.
• They built a state-of-the-art kitchen in their new home.
• They planned a trip to the coffee shop for a morning break.
• The well-being of the community is our top priority.

These sentences clarify the use of various compound words in everyday language.

Practice Worksheet

While you have understood the compound words meaning and their uses in various contexts, it’s time to check your knowledge with the given exercise below.

Exercise 1- Form the Correct Compound Word

In the exercise, you have been given different words in two columns; your task is to match the words from both columns to form correct compound words.

Answers for Exercise 1

1. Foot + Print = Footprint
2. Rain + Coat = Raincoat
3. High + School = High school
4. Wheel + chair = Wheelchair
5. Key + Board = Keyboard
6. Tooth + Paste = Toothpaste
7. Air + Plane = Airplane
8. Butterfly + Net = Butterfly net
9. Star + Fish = Starfish
10. Paper + Clip = Paperclip

Exercise 2– Compound Words in Sentences

In this exercise, you have been given a few sentences; your task is to underline the compound words used in each sentence.

1. Alex likes his hot chocolate steaming hot, while July likes her lukewarm.
2. My grandmother gave me a handmade sweater.
3. Vendors are selling rugs, pottery, and food in the open marketplace.
4. The swimming pool is open every day from 6 AM to 5 PM.
5. It was a scary movie. I think I'll have nightmares about it tonight.
6. They spent the evening at the coffee shop enjoying warm drinks.
7. The rattlesnake can see in the dark and makes no noise as it glides along.
8. She gave a full-time commitment to the project and worked tirelessly.
9. A bulldozer was used to clear cement blocks from the road.
10. The newborn baby and mother are both doing well.

Answers for Exercise 2

1. Alex likes his hot chocolate steaming hot, while July likes her lukewarm.
2. My grandmother gave me a handmade sweater.
3. Vendors are selling rugs, pottery, and food in the open marketplace.
4. The swimming pool is open every day from 6 AM to 5 PM.
5. It was a scary movie. I think I'll have nightmares about it tonight.
6. They spent the evening at the coffee shop enjoying warm drinks.
7. The rattlesnake can see in the dark and makes no noise as it glides along.
8. She gave a full-time commitment to the project and worked tirelessly.
9. A bulldozer was used to clear cement blocks from the road.
10. The new-born baby and mother are both doing well.

Conclusion

To sum up, compound words are magic - two distinct ideas uniting as one to make communication easier and more exciting. It's just the combination of two or more words that act as an individual term. These words bring depth and coherence to our everyday communication, which we don't notice. So, practice using this linguistic device with the help of the provided worksheet, and it will help you enhance your understanding.

FAQs

1. What are compound words?

Compound words are words or phrases that are formed by combining two or more words. It acts as an individual word having a distinct meaning from the actual words used. For example, "Desktop" is a compound word formed with the individual words 'desk' and 'top'.

2. What are the types of compound words?

The three types of compound words in English grammar are

• Open Compound Words: Spaces between the words (remote control)
• Closed Compound Words: No spaces between words (toothbrush)
• Hyphenated Compound Words: Hyphens between the words(long-term)

3. How do compound words work?

Compound words are formed by uniting two or more words to create a new word having a distinct meaning from the individual words.

4. Is 'because' a compound word?

Yes, "because" is a closed compound word formed with the individual words "be" and "cause."