What is a Compound Noun? Definition, Types & Examples
Last Updated :
28 Mar, 2024
Compound nouns are used to identify a class of people, places, things or a particular name. It is an important topic for all students, especially for those who are preparing for competitive examinations. One or more questions from this topic are asked in every competitive examination. This article will provide you with an introduction to compound nouns, types, and examples of compound nouns.
What is a Compound Noun?
A compound noun is a type of noun that is formed by combining two or more words to create a new noun. There are three types of compound nouns, including Open or spaced compound nouns, hyphenated compound nouns, and closed or solid compound nouns.
Definition of Compound Noun
“Compound Noun is a noun that is made with two or more words together.”
We can also say – “Compound Nouns are made by joining more than one word together.”
Also Read: Parts of Speech
Types of Compound Nouns With Examples
There are three main types of Compound Nouns.
1. Closed or Solid Compound Nouns
2. Spaced or Open Compound Nouns
3. Hyphenated Compound Nouns
Closed or Solid Compound Nouns
Closed or Solid Compound Noun is made up by joining two words without any spaces or hyphens.
Examples: Sunflower, Football, Bathroom, Rainfall etc.
Spaced or Open Compound Nouns
It is made up of joining two words with a space.
Examples : Cricket bat, Fast food, Ice cream, Rain forest etc.
Hyphenated Compound Noun
Hyphenated Compound Noun is made up by joining two or more words by a hyphen.
Examples : Mother-in-law, Self – esteem, Father-in-law etc.
Compound Nouns Examples
Washing machine, Greenhouse, Dining – table, Bus stop, Swimming pool, Sunrise, Sunset, Blackboard, Whiteboard, Mother – in – law, Output, Check – out, Check-in, Haircut, Hotspot, Smartphone, Hardware, Long lasting, Underline, Underground, Shutdown, Input, Overthrow.
Compound Nouns can be formed by combining different parts of speech such as noun, verb, preposition and adjective. Here we form compound Nouns with the help of all parts of speech. A compound noun can be a common noun, proper noun or an abstract noun.
Noun + Noun
| Noun |
Noun |
Compound Noun |
| Bus |
Stop |
Bus stop |
| Foot |
Ball |
Football |
| Air |
Port |
Airport |
| Basket |
Ball |
Basketball |
| Railway |
Station |
Railway station |
Noun + Verb
| Noun |
Verb |
Compound Noun |
| Sun |
Rise |
Sunrise |
| Sun |
Set |
Sunset |
| Foot |
Print |
Footprint |
| Snow |
Fall |
Snowfall |
| Rain |
Fall |
Rainfall |
Noun + Preposition
| Noun |
Preposition |
Compound Noun |
| Mother |
in – law |
Mother – in – law |
| Son |
in – law |
Son – in – law |
| Brother |
in – law |
Brother – in – law |
Preposition + Verb
| Preposition |
Verb |
Compound Noun |
| In |
Put |
Input |
| Out |
Put |
Output |
| In |
Take |
Intake |
| Over |
Throw |
Overthrow |
Verb + Preposition
| Verb |
Preposition |
Compound Noun |
| Check |
In |
Check-in |
| Check |
Out |
Check – out |
| Break |
Down |
Breakdown |
| Build |
Up |
Build up |
| Shut |
Down |
Shutdown |
Preposition + Noun
| Preposition |
Noun |
Compound Noun |
| Under |
Line |
Underline |
| Under |
Ground |
Underground |
| Off |
Shore |
Offshore |
| Up |
Stairs |
Upstairs |
| Over |
Night |
Overnight |
Adjective + Noun
| Adjective |
Noun |
Compound Noun |
| Black |
Board |
Blackboard |
| White |
Board |
Whiteboard |
| Hard |
Ware |
Hardware |
| Hot |
Spot |
Hotspot |
| Soft |
Ware |
Software |
Adjective + Verb
| Adjective |
Verb |
Compound Noun |
| Long |
Lasting |
Long-lasting |
| Ever |
Lasting |
Everlasting |
| High |
Light |
Highlight |
| Long |
Awaited |
Long awaited |
List of Compound Nouns
Washing machine, Greenhouse, Dining – table, Bus stop, Swimming pool, Sunrise, Sunset, Blackboard, Whiteboard, Mother – in – law, Output, Check – out , Check – in , Haircut , Hotspot, Smartphone , Hardware, Long lasting, Underline, Underground, Shutdown, Input, Overthrow.
Rules for Compound Noun
1. When the compound noun is singular or a single word, make it plural by adding s to the end.
Examples :
Underline – underlines
Hotspot – hotspots
2. When the compound noun is hyphenated or separated, make it plural by adding s to the word that is plural.
Example :
Mother-in-law = Two mothers-in-law
Difference Between Compound Nouns and Collective Noun
A collective noun is a single word which refers to a group or a team and that can be singular or plural.
Examples :
flock = A group of birds
Troop = A group of army
Team = A group of player
A compound noun is made up of more than one word.
Examples :
Blackboard = black + board
Ice cream = Ice + cream
Overnight = over + night
Compound Noun Vs Collective Noun
| Compound Nouns |
Collective Nouns |
| Nouns formed by combining two or more words to create a new meaning. |
Nouns that refer to a group of individuals or things as a single entity. |
| Can be open (space between words), hyphenated, or closed (words joined). |
Usually a single word that encapsulates a group of individuals or things. |
| Open: post office, Hyphenated: mother-in-law, Closed: toothpaste |
Audience, class, flock, team |
| Denote a specific type of object, concept, or entity by combining elements. |
Represent a group or collection of people, animals, or things. |
| Can have singular or plural forms, with pluralization typically on the main noun. |
Treated as singular when referring to the group as a whole, but can also take a plural verb in some contexts (especially in British English) to emphasize individual members. |
| On the combined meaning created by the word parts. |
On the collective aspect of the group as a single unit. |
Comound Noun Exercises
Read the sentences carefully and identify the compound nouns given below.
1. Write something on the blackboard.
2. My teacher had a heart attack.
3. They swim in the swimming pool.
4. Rahul’s father-in-law went to America last month.
5. My friend booked a dining – table for his colleagues in a restaurant.
6. In 2022, Argentina won the FIFA football match.
7. Do not drive without a driving licence.
8. Please underline the word.
9. Due to inflation, many Chinese companies shut down their company.
10. She is my mother-in-law.
Answer
1. blackboard
2. heart attack
3. swimming pool
4. father – in – law
5. dining – table
6. football
7. driving licence.
8. underline
9. shutdown
10. mother-in-law.
Also Check:
FAQs on Compound Noun
Q1. What is a Compound Nouns?
A compound Noun is a noun that is made with two or more words together.
Compound Nouns are made by joining more than one word together.
Q2. What are 10 examples of Compound Nouns?
1. blackboard
2. heart attack
3. swimming pool
4. father – in – law
5. dining – table
6. football
7. driving licence.
8. underline
9. shutdown
10. mother-in-law.
Q3. What are 3 Compound Nouns?
Blackboard, Hotspot, Input.
Q4. What are 10 examples of compound nouns?
Compound nouns are formed by combining two or more words to create a single noun that represents a specific concept or thing. Here are 10 examples of compound nouns:
1. Toothbrush: A brush for cleaning teeth.
2. Bookstore: A store where books are sold.
3. Raincoat: A coat designed to keep you dry in the rain.
4. Mailbox: A box for receiving mail.
5. Lighthouse: A tall structure with a light to guide ships.
6. Soccer ball: A ball used in the game of soccer.
7. Airplane: A powered flying vehicle.
8. Coffee cup: A cup for drinking coffee.
9. Firefighter: A person who fights fires.
10. Hairbrush: A brush for grooming hair.
Compound nouns are common in English and help to describe a wide range of objects, concepts, and activities. They can be written as one word, hyphenated, or as separate words, depending on the specific compound and language conventions.
Q5. What is compound noun easy?
A compound noun is a noun that is formed by combining two or more words to create a single noun that represents a specific concept or thing. These words can be written as one word, hyphenated, or as separate words, depending on the specific compound and language conventions. Compound nouns are used to describe a wide range of objects, concepts, and activities. For example, “toothbrush” is a compound noun formed by combining “tooth” and “brush” to describe the tool used for cleaning teeth.
Q6. What is a compound noun in ielts?
In IELTS, a “compound noun” is when two or more words combine to form a single noun. Understanding and using compound nouns correctly is essential for both written and spoken English proficiency, as they often appear in various IELTS exam sections. Examples include “healthcare system,” “technology advancements,” and “income inequality.”
Similar Reads
English Grammar : Learn Rules of Grammar and Basics
Whether you're just starting on your journey to learn the English language or you've been studying for some time and find yourself struggling with English grammar, with a little bit of perseverance, anyone can learn to speak and write English with confidence and accuracy. English grammar is a set of
9 min read
Parts of Speech: Definitions, Examples & 8 Types
Every word is a part of speech playing a specific role in sentences or paragraphs. Parts of speech provide an organized way to align words and phrases, it is a fundamental meaning for a language to become more understandable and serve a specific purpose. Here, in this article, we will see what is Pa
8 min read
Noun
What is a Noun? Types, Definitions and Examples (List)
In simple terms, a noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns are one of the basic building blocks of language, and they help us identify and refer to the people, objects, and concepts in our everyday communication. Examples of nouns include "dog" (a thing), "teacher" (a person
15 min read
Proper Noun - Definition, Examples, & Rules
There are two primary categories of nouns: common and proper. Proper nouns are name words that are used to designate or categorize a particular person, place, or thing, whereas common nouns are generic. Make sure that the first letter of a proper noun is always capitalized. Read through the followin
6 min read
Common Noun - Definition, Examples, List & Usage
What is a common noun? and what is the difference between common nouns and proper nouns? You must have this question in your mind. In this article, we will explore more about common nouns and get to know about the differences between a common and proper noun. Table of Content What is a Common Noun?C
6 min read
Plural Noun - Rules and Examples
In English, there are different rules for forming plurals and some exceptions to the authorities. Therefore, it is essential to understand the rules and exceptions of plural nouns to use them correctly in written and spoken English. In this article, we will discuss its rules with examples in brief a
9 min read
Possessive Noun - Meaning, Usage, Rules and Examples
A possessive noun is an important part of the English language and writing. They play an important role to indicate ownership or possession. You can express relationships with people, things, and ideas. In this article, we will learn about the concepts of Possessive Noun, their meaning, usage, rules
7 min read
What is Collective Noun? List of Examples, Uses and Exercises
A collective noun refers to a group or collection of people, animals, or things. It represents a singular entity made up of multiple individuals. Examples of Collective nouns include Team (A team of players), Herd (A herd of cattle), School (A school of fish) etc. In this article, We have discussed
10 min read
Abstract Nouns - Definition, Examples, List, Usage
An abstract noun is a kind of noun that represents ideas, things, and experiences. It is an important part of Nouns. It is an important topic for all students, especially for those who are preparing for competitive examinations. One or more questions from this topic are asked in every competitive ex
4 min read
What is a Compound Noun? Definition, Types & Examples
Compound nouns are used to identify a class of people, places, things or a particular name. It is an important topic for all students, especially for those who are preparing for competitive examinations. One or more questions from this topic are asked in every competitive examination. This article
7 min read
What are Countable Noun?
Countable Noun includes all those things, we can count, whether it is in singular or plural form. A countable noun is used in the form of a singular or plural in a sentence. Because if we can count something then it can be either one or more than one. Do you want to know more about Countable Noun? G
11 min read
What are Uncountable Noun - How to use them?
According to English's grammar, we cannot divide them into separate elements, so for this reason, they are called uncountable nouns. The uncountable noun is another type of noun in traditional English Grammar. Uncountable nouns are such as oil, milk, sugar, salt, patience, juice, bravery, etc. Mater
7 min read
Material Noun: Definition, Examples, Rules & Exercises
Material NounThe noun is used mainly in five ways in English Grammar, in which all differences have their separate existence. Material Noun is one of those which addresses such a Noun that can only be measured or weighed but cannot be counted at all. A Material Noun is a special name given to things
7 min read
Pronoun
Pronoun Definition - Rules and Types of Pronouns
A strong command of Grammar is essential for Candidates for Competitive exams. So, concentrating on pronouns can also be quite beneficial as pronouns are one of the strongest and most important parts of speech. We will talk about the different types of Pronouns and their usage & rules in this ar
9 min read
Reflexive Pronoun
The term 'reflexive' refers to something aimed against oneself. The reflexive pronoun would be a form of pronoun that is accompanied by the predecessor, which must be positioned within a single phrase. A reflexive pronoun in English grammatical signifies that the individual doing the verb's behavior
5 min read
Subject Pronouns - Definition, Example and Exercise
Subject pronoun is an essential topic of parts of speech. In recent years, a number of tricky questions are asked in various competitive examinations on this topic. So it is very useful to learn this topic correctly. To know more about the subject Pronouns you must read through the article. What is
4 min read
Relative Pronouns - Definition, Uses and Examples
A Relative pronoun is a type of pronoun that introduces a subordinate clause and relates it to the main clause. A clause beginning with a relative pronoun is poised to answer questions such as Which one? How many? or What kind? Who, whom, what, which, etc. In this article, we will explore the concep
8 min read
Demonstrative Pronouns - Definition and Examples
The demonstrative pronoun is another main type or one kind of pronoun. which one uses noun place. demonstrative pronoun used to indicate particular things or persons or directions. Pronouns mainly work to stop the repetition of nouns, which makes sentences beautiful and meaningful. From this Pronoun
7 min read
Possessive Pronouns - Definition, Usage and Examples
Possessive Pronouns are used to indicate the possession or ownership or relation of a person/thing to another person/thing i.e. Possessive Pronouns are used to describe people, animals, or things that a person or be related to something. A possessive pronoun is another kind or type of pronoun. When
6 min read
Indefinite Pronoun
Any indeterminate pronoun is a term that lacks a particular familiar recipient. Indefinite pronouns vary from definite pronouns. Indefinite pronouns have the ability to indicate either count as well as non-count nouns. They frequently have associated forms across all these categories. An indefinite
6 min read
Personal Pronoun - Definition, Rules and Examples
Personal pronouns are short words that are used in place of a person's own name. Each English personal pronoun shows the person, gender, number, and case of the noun it replaces. I, you, he, she, it, we, they, me, him, her, us, and them are all personal pronouns. What are Personal Pronouns? Those Pr
8 min read
Interrogative Pronoun
The Pronoun is just a term that substitutes a noun. Many English phrases contain pronouns, which include inquiries. An interrogative pronoun is a form of pronoun that is continually asking for replies. When posing a question, an interrogative pronoun serves to replace a person and an object. What Is
5 min read
Reciprocal Pronouns - Definition, Examples & Uses
The pronoun, and particularly the reciprocal pronoun, will be the center of our attention. Let's start with an explanation of a pronoun. In a language, a pronoun is a term that replaces a noun, or another pronoun. A reciprocal pronoun is one that links two previously defined nouns that are both gett
6 min read
Verb
What is a Verb? Types, Uses, Examples
A verb is an important part of the English language and is classified under the Parts of Speech chapter. It is very important for all students, especially for those who are preparing for competitive exams. More than two questions are asked about this topic in every competitive examination. A verb is
13 min read
Verb Forms
Verbs are one of the most essential parts of speech in any language, as they express actions, states, or occurrences. Understanding the different forms of verbs is key to mastering grammar and effective communication. Verb forms can vary depending on tense, voice, and mood, and knowing how to use th
8 min read
Main Verbs - Meaning, Types and Examples
A verb is a part of speech used to show an action. There are several other sorts of verbs. The main verbs, on the contrary side, are the ones that explicitly describe an activity which the particular topic is conducting. These are the primary verbs in a phrase that carry the main meaning. Main Verbs
6 min read
Helping Verb: Definition, Types and Examples
In English grammar, a Helping verb is a verb that comes before a main verb or lexical verb in a sentence. An auxiliary/helping verb and a main verb together form a verb phrase. Helping verbs & auxiliary verbs are mostly equal. we often get confused about how to use main verbs and helping verbs i
7 min read
Auxiliary Verbs: Definition, Examples & List
Auxiliary verbs are needed to make our sentences more exciting and impressive. Auxiliary verbs are the first step in forming a complete sentence. When used with the main verb, auxiliary verbs finish sentences. Using auxiliary verbs is about expressing your feelings, making a statement, asking a ques
10 min read
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs are an important type of verb in the English language. It does not follow normal rules of grammar. It is an important topic for all students, especially for those who are preparing for competitive examinations. In this article, we will delve into the world of irregular verbs, and exp
9 min read
What Are Modal Verbs? – Definition, Usage & Examples
Any competitive government exam, including those for CGL, banking, and the armed services, assesses a candidate's command of the English language. There is a focus on testing the use of grammar in the English language section. As a result, understanding grammar rules becomes essential. One should be
8 min read
What is A Gerund? Definition and Examples
Understanding the difference between a gerund and other parts of speech is an important step in perfecting your grammar and writing skills. A gerund is a verb form used in the third person, meaning it's used as a noun. The form of the gerund is not that important, because this blog post is about how
8 min read
Adjective
Adjective - Definition, List, Types, Uses and Examples
When we discuss Adjectives, it means those words which well describe a Noun or a Place, Person, Thing, or Idea. An adjective is the only word that can create a major difference between the two.Let's discuss this topic in detail and also bookmark it to get back to the article whenever we want to revi
10 min read
Proper Adjectives Definition and Examples
An appropriate adjective is a subcategory of the wider category of adjectives in particular. Adjectives are one of the eight fundamental parts of speech in English, and it is critical to understand and be able to distinguish which parts of speech make up a full sentence. Some pupils may already be f
6 min read
Possessive Adjectives - Definition, Example and List
How do possessive adjectives contribute to expressing ownership and help to indicate the relationship between people, ideas, and objects? Do you want to know more about Possessive adjectives? This article will help you to explore more about Possessive Adjectives along with their usage, examples, and
5 min read
Interrogative Adjective - Meaning, Definition and Examples
Understanding and learning about interrogative adjectives can greatly enhance your communication skills, helps you to seek information, and engages you in meaningful conversations. Here you will explore the importance of Interrogative along with rules and examples that will provide you valuable insi
5 min read
Adverb
What Is an Adverb? Definition, List & Examples
In this article, we will learn about "Adverbs". A verb, adjective, another adverb, determiner, clause, preposition, or sentence is typically modified by an adverb. Adverbs often answer questions like "how," "in what way," "when," "where," and "to what extent" by expressing things like method, place,
10 min read
Conjunctive Adverbs - Meaning, Examples and Exercises
Are you having trouble with conjunctive adverbs? Have you ever wanted to express yourself more clearly and effectively, but just didn’t know where to start? In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of the important role that conjunctive adverbs play in writing a great piece of literat
6 min read
Adverbs of Time - Examples, Meaning, and Definition
If you are looking for a guide that explains what is adverbs of time with suitable examples, then here in this blog post we will learn about adverbs of time and how to use them with examples. So without wasting time, let's dig into the article. Adverbs of Time inform us when an activity occurred. It
7 min read
Adverbs of Frequency - Definition, Examples, and Usage
Adverbs of Frequency are defined as words that modify verbs to tell us how often something happens Go through this blog post to get a detailed overview of adverbs of frequency, and how to use them with all suitable examples. What is adverb frequency? this question may arise in your mind when you hea
10 min read
Adverbs of Place - Definition, List and Examples
In the world of English grammar, adverbs of place specify where something happens. Basically, it can be used to describe a place, a direction, or a place in relation to something else. If you're looking for a detailed guide to adverbs of place, in this article we'll look at how adverbs of place work
7 min read
What are Adverbs of Degree? Definition, List and Examples
Adverbs are commonly used in English to explain the adjective, verb, or another adverb inside a paragraph. Among many of the different kinds of adverbs, a degree adverb assists speakers in expressing the concentration of a statement in a paragraph. The Adverb of degree answers the question, "How muc
8 min read
Adverbs of Manner - Meaning, Definition and Examples
Adverbs of manner are a type of parts of speech. It denotes the manner of action done by the Subject. It is an important topic for all students, especially for those who are preparing for competitive examinations. One or more questions from this topic are asked in every competitive examination. Tab
7 min read
Conjunction
What is a Conjunction - Meaning, Definition, Types & Exercises
Conjunctions are essential tools in the English language, used to connect words, phrases, or sentences to create more complex and meaningful statements. Without conjunctions, our sentences would be short and choppy, lacking flow and coherence. In the vast realm of language, there exists a small but
9 min read
Subordinating Conjunction - Meaning, Definition, Types and Examples
It is a very useful topic for joining two sentences in English and also important for all students, especially for those who are preparing for competitive examinations. A few questions on this topic are asked in every competitive examination. Table of Content What is a Subordinating Conjunction? De
6 min read
Definite and Indefinite Articles ( A, An, The)
Table of ContentWhat is an Article? Definite and Indefinite ArticlesWhat are Definite Articles?What are Indefinite Articles?Definite and Indefinite Articles ExamplesDifference Between Definite and Indefinite Articles Definite and Indefinite Articles QuestionsFAQ's on Definite and Indefinite Articles
9 min read
Subject-Verb Agreement Rules: Examples & Exercises
Have you ever heard of the term subject-verb agreement? This is your chance to discover what subject-verb agreement is, what is meant by "concord," and the guidelines that will assist you in comprehending how it functions. In this article, we'll understand the rules of subject-verb agreement, exampl
11 min read
Active and Passive Voice Rules for Competitive Exams
Active and Passive voice is a particularly essential grammatical structure used in the English language. Understanding the rules governing their usage is crucial for effective communication. In this article, we will delve into the fundamentals of the active and passive voice. we will also explore th
8 min read
What is Tense? Types, Definitions & Examples
Earlier we have already discussed how important tenses are in English Grammar as the very basis of English Grammar is built on tenses. Once you complete the tenses then you will understand every part and use of tenses. You already know that there are three tenses- past, present, and future; and four
8 min read
Tense Chart in English - Rules, Examples, Types & Mind map
Tense Chart: The Tense Chart is a visual representation of the various verb tenses in English. It organizes the verb tenses in English. It outlines the various forms of the verb according to their uses. By using a tense chart, one can easily understand the relationship between the various forms of v
10 min read