Table of Contents
Compound nouns are formations resulting from the fusion of two or more individual words, irrespective of their parts of speech. These combinations often convey a singular idea or refer to a specific object, person, or concept. This article will discuss the definition and examples of compound nouns. Students can also access the worksheets of Compound nouns from this article.
Also Check: Demonstrative Pronouns
Compound Nouns Introduction
A compound noun is a noun that is formed by combining more than one part of speech. Compound nouns can be classified into three types:
- Open or spaced compound nouns
- hyphenated compound nouns
- closed or solid compound nouns.
Also Check: Common Nouns
Compound Nouns Definition
Cambridge Dictionary defines a compound noun as a noun that is made up of two or more different words. For example, cake shop, Police Station, etc. The Oxford Learners’ Dictionary defines compound nouns in a similar way. It is defined as “a noun, an adjective or a verb which is made of two or more words or parts of words, and joined by a hyphen.”
Compound Nouns Classifications
Compound nouns can be divided into three main types. The classification of Compound nouns is given below.
Also Check: Proper Nouns
Spaced or Open Compound Noun:
In spaced or open compound nouns, there is a visible space between the two words that form the compound noun. These two words have individual independent meanings.
For Examples:
- Cricket bat
- Fast food
- Flower shop
Also Check: Plural Nouns
Hyphenated Compound Nouns:
Hyphenated compound nouns combine two words. They are connected by a hyphen. This hyphen links these two words together.
For Examples:
- By-product
- Mother-in-law
- Passer-by
Closed or Solid Compound Nouns:
Closed or solid compound nouns present themselves as a single word without any spaces or hyphens between the constituent words.
For Examples:
- Sunflower
- Classroom
- Rainfall
Also Check: Possessive Nouns
Formation of Compound Nouns
As we know, one can form compound nouns by combining different parts of speech. All compound nouns perform the same function as nouns, even if they belong to different parts of speech. Below given table provides the ideas about the formation of Compound Nouns.
Noun – Noun
| Compound Noun | Noun 1 | Noun 2 |
| Coffee table | Coffee | Table |
| Swimming pool | Swimming | Pool |
| Bookshelf | Book | Shelf |
| Toothbrush | Tooth | Brush |
| Moonlight | Moon | Light |
| Raincoat | Rain | Coat |
| Firefighter | Fire | Fighter |
| Doghouse | Dog | House |
| Sunflower | Sun | Flower |
| Hairbrush | Hair | Brush |
Also Check: Collective Noun
Noun – Verb
| Compound Noun | Noun | Verb | Meaning |
| Haircut | Hair | Cut | The act of cutting or styling hair. |
| Sunrise | Sun | Rise | The daily event of the sun appearing. |
| Sunset | Sun | Set | The daily event of the sun disappearing. |
| Rainfall | Rain | Fall | The action of raindrops falling from the sky. |
| Snowfall | Snow | Fall | The action of snowflakes falling from the sky. |
| Footprint | Foot | The impression left by a foot on a surface. | |
| Roleplay | Role | Play | The act of portraying characters in a scenario. |
| Healthcare | Health | Care | The provision of medical services. |
| Gunfight | Gun | Fight | A confrontation involving firearms. |
Noun + Gerund
| Compound Noun | Noun | Gerund | Meaning |
| Swimming pool | Swimming | Pool | A pool designed or suitable for swimming. |
| Dancing shoes | Dancing | Shoes | Shoes specifically designed or used for dancing. |
| Running track | Running | Track | A track or course designed for running. |
| Cooking oil | Cooking | Oil | Oil used in the process of cooking. |
| Walking stick | Walking | Stick | A stick or cane used for walking. |
| Singing lesson | Singing | Lesson | A lesson focused on the practice or instruction of singing. |
| Writing desk | Writing | Desk | A desk designed or used for writing. |
| Reading lamp | Reading | Lamp | A lamp used for reading purposes. |
| Painting brush | Painting | Brush | A brush used for painting. |
| Gardening gloves | Gardening | Gloves | Gloves worn while gardening. |
Gerund + Noun
| Compound Noun | Gerund | Noun | Meaning |
| Swimming pool | Swimming | Pool | A pool designed or suitable for swimming. |
| Running shoes | Running | Shoes | Shoes designed or suitable for running. |
| Cooking pot | Cooking | Pot | A pot used for cooking. |
| Reading glasses | Reading | Glasses | Glasses used for reading. |
| Sleeping bag | Sleeping | Bag | A bag designed for sleeping outdoors. |
| Writing paper | Writing | Paper | Paper used for writing. |
| Singing contest | Singing | Contest | A contest or competition involving singing. |
| Driving license | Driving | License | A license permitting one to drive a vehicle. |
| Baking tray | Baking | Tray | A tray used for baking. |
| Painting canvas | Painting | Canvas | A canvas used for painting. |
Verb + Preposition
| Compound Noun | Verb | Preposition | Meaning |
| Breakup | Break | Up | The ending of a relationship or partnership. |
| Check-in | Check | In | The process of registering upon arrival, e.g., at a hotel. |
| Setup | Set | Up | The arrangement or organization of something, e.g., equipment. |
| Takeoff | Take | Off | The moment an aircraft leaves the ground and begins flight. |
| Lookout | Look | Out | A person who keeps watch or gives warning of danger. |
| Holdup | Hold | Up | A delay or interruption, often due to an obstruction. |
| Turnaround | Turn | Around | The process of reversing a situation or trend. |
| Breakdown | Break | Down | The failure or collapse of something, e.g., a system. |
Preposition + Verb
| Compound Noun | Preposition | Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Understand | Under | Stand | The ability to comprehend or grasp something. |
| Outrun | Out | Run | To run faster or farther than someone or something else. |
| Overthrow | Over | Throw | To forcefully remove or defeat a ruler or government. |
| Throughout | Through | Out | In every part or throughout an entire area or period. |
| Undergo | Under | Go | To experience or endure something is typically a process. |
| Overcome | Over | Come | To succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem. |
Also Check: JEE Foundation Course
Compound Nouns Worksheets
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate compound noun formed from the given words. Use the provided word bank if needed.
Word Bank:
Hair
Swimming
Book
Football
Sun
Fire
Dog
Role
Check
Foot
Questions:
- My grandmother loves to read. She has a large _____________ in her living room where she keeps all her favorite novels.
- We’re going to the beach tomorrow, so don’t forget to pack your _____________ and sunscreen.
- The _____________ is scheduled for 3 p.m. tomorrow. Don’t be late!
- We watched a thrilling _____________ last night between our two favorite teams.
- The _____________ in the sky was shining brightly, signaling the start of a new day.
- Be careful with that match! You don’t want to start a _____________ in the forest.
- Max loves to play fetch with his _____________ in the park every evening.
- The school is organizing a _____________ where students will act out scenes from famous plays.
- Don’t forget to do a final _____________ of your room before we leave for our trip.
- Jenny hurt her _____________ while playing soccer yesterday. She should see a doctor.
Answer Key:
- Bookshelf
- Swimming pool
- Check-in
- Football match
- Sun
- Fire
- Dog
- Roleplay
- Checkout
- Foot
Compound Nouns FAQs
What are compound nouns?
Compound nouns are nouns that are formed by combining two or more words together to create a single noun that represents a specific concept, object, or idea. These words can be combined using various structures such as noun + noun, noun + verb, noun + preposition + noun, etc.
How do compound nouns function in sentences?
Compound nouns function as a single unit within a sentence, often acting as subjects, objects, or complements. They help to convey complex ideas or describe specific entities in a concise and efficient manner. Compound nouns can be either open (two separate words), hyphenated (connected with a hyphen), or closed (one word).
What are some examples of compound nouns?
Compound nouns are commonly encountered in everyday language. Examples include bookshelf, swimming pool, firefighter, mother-in-law, check-in, breakdown, and many more. These compound nouns play a crucial role in communication by providing clear and precise terminology for various concepts and objects.
