Compound nouns are formed by joining two or more words to create a single noun with a new meaning. They help make English more clear and specific. In this blog post, you will learn the definition of compound nouns, how they are used in sentences, and easy examples to understand them better.
Read More: Types of Nouns with Examples
What is a Compound Noun?
A compound noun is a noun made by joining two or more words together to form one idea.
Examples:
- tooth + brush = toothbrush
- sun + light = sunlight
- post + office = post office
These new words act like one noun and name a person, place, thing, or idea.
Types of Compound Nouns with Examples
Compound nouns are made by joining two or more words to form one noun. These can be written in three different forms:
i. Closed Form (Single Word)
In this type, the words are written together with no space between them.
Examples:
- toothbrush – I forgot my toothbrush at home.
- notebook – This is my English notebook.
- football – He plays football every Sunday.
- sunlight – The sunlight came through the window.
- bedroom – My bedroom is small but neat.
ii. Hyphenated Form
These compound nouns are written with a hyphen (-) between the words.
Examples:
- mother-in-law – My mother-in-law is very kind.
- baby-sitter – She works as a baby-sitter.
- check-in – Please go to the check-in counter.
- brother-in-law – My brother-in-law lives in Canada.
- self-esteem – Good self-esteem is important for children.
iii. Open Form (With a Space)
Here, the words are written with a space, but together they make one noun.
Examples:
- bus stop – The bus stop is near my school.
- swimming pool – We went to the swimming pool today.
- police station – He works at the police station.
- post office – I sent the letter from the post office.
- coffee shop – Let’s meet at the coffee shop.
Read More: Huge List of Compound Words
Summary Table
| Type | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Closed | No space | toothpaste, bedroom |
| Hyphenated | Uses hyphen (-) | mother-in-law, baby-sitter |
| Open | Space between words | bus stop, swimming pool |
Examples of Compound Nouns
Here are some common compound nouns you may use in daily life:
- notebook
- bedroom
- football
- swimming pool
- police station
- bus stop
- water bottle
- baby-sitter
- fireman
- classroom
Example Sentences Using Compound Nouns
These short and easy sentences help beginners use compound nouns in real life.
- I put my books in my school bag.
- She brushed her teeth with a toothbrush.
- We watched the stars from the rooftop.
- My dad works at a fire station.
- He plays football every weekend.
- We had lunch at the food court.
- I bought a red notebook.
- They swam in the swimming pool.
- The bus stop is near my house.
- The classroom was clean and bright.
- I drank water from my water bottle.
- The post office is closed today.
- My bedroom is small but cozy.
- He works as a baby-sitter.
- We need raincoats for the trip.
- The doorbell is not working.
- I saw a movie at the movie theater.
- Her brother is a policeman.
- This is my new laptop bag.
- The football match was exciting.
- They had dinner in the dining room.
- The kids are in the playground.
- I saw smoke from the chimney.
- My mom is in the kitchen.
- We took photos with a smartphone.
- She is a shopkeeper.
- I visited the zoo park last week.
- He is reading a newspaper.
- The train is at the railway station.
- She bought a hairbrush.
How to Use Compound Nouns in Sentences
- Use them as regular nouns.
- Check if they need hyphens, spaces, or are one word.
- Use articles (a, an, the) if needed.
Example:
- I need a hairdryer.
- She is working at the bus stop.
Mini Quiz: Choose the Correct Compound Noun
-
What do you use to brush your teeth?
a) toothpaste
b) bookpen
c) shoesroom -
Where do children play?
a) playground
b) cookplace
c) sleepzone -
What do you call a place to catch a bus?
a) carpark
b) bus stop
c) drivehall
Answers:
- a) toothpaste
- a) playground
- b) bus stop
FAQs: Compound Nouns for Beginners
1. What is the meaning of a compound noun?
A compound noun is a noun made of two or more words that give one meaning.
2. How do I know if it’s a compound noun?
If the words together create one object, place, or idea, it’s a compound noun.
3. Are all compound nouns written together?
No. Some are joined, some are hyphenated, and some have spaces.
Compound nouns are common in English. Learning them helps you speak clearly and understand more. Practice using them every day in short and simple sentences.
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