homework is it a compound word

How do you decide whether a compound should be written as one word, separate words, or hyphenated words?

A compound is a word or word group that consists of two or more parts that work together as a unit to express a specific concept. Compounds can be formed by combining two or more words (as in double–check , cost–effective , farmhouse , graphic equalizers , park bench , around–the–clock , or son of a gun ), by combining prefixes or suffixes with words (as in ex–president , shoeless , presorted , or uninterruptedly ), or by combining two or more word elements (as in macrophage or photochromism ). Compounds are written in one of three ways: solid (as in cottonmouth ), hyphenated ( screenwriter–director ), or open ( health care ). Because of the variety of standard practice, the choice among the styles for a given compound represents one of the most common and vexing of all style issues writers encounter.

Compounds in the Dictionary

A good dictionary will list many permanent compounds , compounds so commonly used that they have become permanent parts of the language. However, a dictionary generally will not list temporary compounds , those created to meet a writer's need at a particular moment. Most compounds whose meanings are self–evident from the meanings of their component words also will not be listed in the dictionary, even if they are permanent and widely used.

The Compound–styling Conundrum

When compounds begin to be used widely, there may be significant variation in how writers style them, and it can take years to achieve a high degree of consistency in their format. For many terms, it is often completely acceptable to choose freely among open, hyphenated, and closed alternatives, even though the term has been used in English for an extended period (for instance, lifestyle , life–style , or life style ). Although the styling that ultimately takes hold for a compound may be determined by nothing more than editorial preference, there is one pattern that often holds true as new compounds become entrenched in English. Compound nouns are usually written as one word, compound verbs are generally written as two, and compound adjectives are very often written with a hyphen.

Styling Internet– and Computer–Related Terms (e.g., on–line, website, e–mail)

Internet–related compounds are still so new that their preferred styling remains in flux, with the same compound styled different ways in different publications. Over time, they will likely become more consistent, but what should writers do now? The following list provides the Internet–term stylings that are currently most widely used in professionally edited, published writing.

• E–mail (with a capital E when used as a noun)
• e–mail (with a lowercase e when used as a verb)
• e–book
• e–tail
• webcast/webcaster
• webmaster (often cap)
• dot–com

Text for this article was adapted from Merriam-Webster's Manual for Writers and Editors .

Word of the Day

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

• Essay Topic Generator
• Essay Grader
• Reference Finder
• AI Outline Generator
• Paragraph Expander
• Essay Expander
• Literature Review Generator
• Thesis Generator
• Text Editing Tools
• AI Rewording Tool
• AI Sentence Rewriter
• AI Article Spinner
• AI Grammar Checker
• Spell Checker
• PDF Spell Check
• Paragraph Checker
• Free AI Essay Writer
• Paraphraser
• Grammar Checker
• Citation Generator
• Plagiarism Checker
• AI Detector
• AI Essay Checker
• Proofreading Service
• Editing Service
• AI Writing Guides
• AI Detection Guides
• Citation Guides
• Grammar Guides
• Paraphrasing Guides
• Plagiarism Guides
• Summary Writing Guides
• STEM Guides
• Humanities Guides
• Language Learning Guides
• Coding Guides
• Top Lists and Recommendations
• AI Detectors
• AI Writing Services
• Coding Homework Help
• Citation Generators
• Editing Websites
• Essay Writing Websites
• Language Learning Websites
• Math Solvers
• Paraphrasers
• Plagiarism Checkers
• Reference Finders
• Spell Checkers
• Summarizers
• Tutoring Websites
• Essay Checkers
• Essay Topic Finders

Most Popular

How to write a biography essay, apu students get flexible on-campus working hours and other benefits, dorm overbooking and transitional housing: problems colleges are trying to solve, new program drives more latina students to colleges what problems do they face daily, how to write a profile essay, what are compound words.

Compound words are language elemts, formed by combining two or more words to create a new meaning . In English, compound words can be found everywhere, from everyday conversations to complex academic texts. They come in different types, including closed compounds, hyphenated compounds, and open compounds. In this guide, we will explain the topic of compound words, their formation, and their role in effective communication.

Types of Compound Words: Open, Closed, or Hyphenated

Compound words are formed when two or more words are combined to create a new one with a different meaning. These come in three main types: closed, hyphenated, and open.

Closed Compound Words

These words are written as a single word without any spaces or hyphens. They often evolve from open compound words as they become more commonly used. For example, “ notebook ” (from “note” and “book”) and “ sunflower ” (from “sun” and “flower”) are closed compound words.

Other common examples:

• Firefighter

Hyphenated Compound Words

These words are connected by a hyphen, which helps to clarify their meaning and avoid confusion. Examples include “ mother-in-law ” (a mother related by marriage) and “ well-being ” (a state of health and happiness).

• Sister-in-law
• Editor-in-chief
• Father-in-law
• Merry-go-round

Open Compound Words

These words are written as separate words, but together they form a single concept. For example, “ ice cream ” (a frozen dessert) and “ high school ” (a secondary school for older students) are open compound words.

• Post office
• Real estate
• Science fiction
• Living room
• Coffee table
• High school
• Credit card
• Tennis court

Meaning and Usage in Context

The meaning of a compound word often relates to the meanings of the individual words, but it can also have its own unique sense and definition. For instance, a “goldfish” is a type of fish that is often gold in color. The context, or how the word is used, can also influence the formation of compound words. For example, “apple” and “pie” can combine to form “apple pie,” a dessert made with apples, but only in the context of food.

Do you make mistakes when using compound words? Try our Free Grammar Checker

Exercises on compound words.

After learning the basics, let’s try a few exercises to better remember the concept.

Exercise 1: Creating Compound Words

Combine the words in each pair to form a compound word. Write your answer in the space provided.

• tooth + paste = ____________
• class + room = ____________
• grand + mother = ____________
• foot + ball = ____________
• bed + room = ____________

Exercise 2: Classifying Compound Words

For each compound word, decide whether it should be written as a closed compound, a hyphenated compound, or an open compound.

• high/school = ____________
• mother/in/law = ____________
• tooth/brush = ____________
• well/being = ____________
• ice/cream = ____________
• check/in = ____________
• week/end = ____________
• long/term = ____________
• full/moon = ____________
• self/esteem = ____________
• high school
• mother in law
• self esteem

So, compound words are integral to the richness and versatility of language. They allow us to express complex ideas succinctly and add depth to our communication. As we continue use compound words, it’s important to appreciate the role they play in shaping our language. So, let’s pay attention to these linguistic building blocks and embrace the creativity they bring to our communication.

What are compound words?

Compound words are formed by combining two or more words to create a new word with a unique meaning. These words can be written as one word (closed compounds), with a hyphen (hyphenated compounds), or as separate words (open compounds). Examples include “notebook,” “mother-in-law,” and “ice cream.”

How are compound words formed?

Compound words are formed by joining two or more words together. The process involves taking words that can stand alone and combining them to create a new word with a different meaning. The way the words are combined can vary, resulting in closed, hyphenated, or open compound words.

How do compound words change meaning or form in different contexts?

Compound words can change meaning or form depending on the context in which they are used. For example, “check-in” as a noun is hyphenated, but as a verb, it is written as two separate words (“check in”). The meaning of such a word can also vary based on context, such as “school bus” (a bus for transporting students) versus “bus stop” (a place where a bus stops to pick up passengers).

Follow us on Reddit for more insights and updates.

Comments (0)

Welcome to A*Help comments!

We’re all about debate and discussion at A*Help.

We value the diverse opinions of users, so you may find points of view that you don’t agree with. And that’s cool. However, there are certain things we’re not OK with: attempts to manipulate our data in any way, for example, or the posting of discriminative, offensive, hateful, or disparaging material.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More from Grammar Guides

Damnit or Dammit: How You Should Be Writing

How to Use Apostrophes

Alot or a Lot

Remember Me

Is English your native language ? Yes No

What is your profession ? Student Teacher Writer Other

Forgotten Password?

Username or Email

Compound words – what they are and why they matter

These fun words bring your content to life! 

Author Christina Levandowski

Published February 20, 2024

Published Feb 20, 2024

• Key takeaways
• Compound words have different meanings from each separate word — For example: Hot dog doesn’t have the same meaning as “hot” or “dog.” 
• Blended words are different from compound words — Blended words, or portmanteaus, are not the same as compound words. Instead, they take parts of two words and blend them together into a new, separate word. “Internet” is an example of a portmanteau, while “grandparent” is a compound word. 
• There are three types of compound words —  These types are known as open-compound, closed-compound, and hyphenated-compound words. We’ll cover each below.

Table of contents

What is a compound word?

The three types of compound words.

Compound words bring your work to life — whether you’re working on an essay or you’re writing an email to a friend. They’re such a common part of our daily communication patterns, that you likely use them daily without even thinking about it! 

The best part? Compound words are incredibly easy to learn. Below, we’re defining what compound words are, the three types of compound words, and offering examples of each — helping you to familiarise yourself with them ahead of your next task or homework assignment.

The definition of a compound word is a word that’s made of two or more root words put together in their whole, individual forms. This is different from a blended word, which incorporates parts of two words into a new, unique word. 

Compound words are simple to assemble. So simple, in fact, that there are thousands that are commonly used in the English language! To use and create compound words, people take the whole form of individual words and put them together to give them new meanings. 

One of the main differences between a compound word and regular words is that compound words convey a joined idea using just its compound partners. They’re usually used if it would be more effective to convey the idea using them, as opposed to using full sentences.

Understanding the three different types of compound words  (and how separate words join together to make a new word) will add clarity to your communications, both written or verbal. Because of this, it’s an important skill to consider as you prepare for the next grades — whether it’s primary or secondary school. 

Closed compound words

If you’re looking for new compound words to try after you master open compound words, consider closed compound words. These are words that incorporate two separate words without a space between them. Examples of closed compound words include “blackberry” and “homeschool.” 

A general rule of thumb: These words are typically multi-syllable words due to their length. So, keep an eye out for spacing differences and syllable counts as you go work to identify which compound noun or word that you’re working with. 

We’ve included a list of compound words (closed style) below for you to practice with: 

• Grandparent
• Grasshopper

Open compound words

An open compound word is a compound word or noun that has a space between two words. Think of the gap as being “wide open,” or in open form, reminding you about what the definition of an open compound word is.

Here are a few examples of open compound words and nouns: 

• Turkey burger 
• Chicken salad 
• Graphic organiser 
• Ramen noodles 
• Devilled eggs 
• Mashed potatoes 

Hyphenated compound words

A hyphenated compound word is exactly as it sounds — a compound word that is formed with hyphens between the words. A common example of this would be “merry-go-round,” or similar. 

Just like other compound words, these tend to be longer words that feature multiple syllables. 

Here are a few examples of compound words that use hyphens — known as hyphenated compound words. 

• Far-fetched
• Know-it-all
• Editor-in-chief
• Free-for-all
• Father-in-law (+ variations)
• Dog-friendly
• State-of-the-art
• One-of-a-kind

A compound word is a word that is created by two separate words. These types of words can be divided by written presentation, and have three main groups: closed, open, and hyphenated compound words. 

Compound words impact the correctness of your grammar and content overall. After reading this guide, we encourage you to experiment with the different types of words in your personal and academic writing; gaining confidence and using them throughout your flow and process. 

Explore compound words with DoodleEnglish

DoodleEnglish  is an app that’s filled with thousands of fun, interactive exercises covering grammar, punctuation, spelling and more!

Designed by teachers, it creates each child a unique work programme tailored to their needs, boosting their confidence and skills in English.  Try it for free  today!

FAQs about compound words

Compound words are formed when two or more single words fuse together into a separate word that has a separate meaning from the words of origin. Verbs can be used in compound form as well (known as compound verbs). Examples of this include verbs like “set aside,” “double-click,” and others. 

An open compound word is a compound word that has spaces between both words of origin. An example of this would be “ice cream.” A closed compound word doesn’t have these spaces, and is instead both words of origin put together in a single word. An example of this would be “blackberry..” 

Three compound words are commonly known as triple compounds. They can be commonly found in the English language. Examples of three-compound words include “over-the-counter,” “left-to-right,” and “one-year-old;” and so on. 

Generally speaking, hyphens are used if two or more words are working together as an adjective to describe a noun. If the sentence in question starts with a noun, you typically won’t find a hyphenated modifier following it. Hyphens cannot be used as dashes, as each form of punctuation has a different purpose. 

Try DoodleEnglish for free!

Related posts

What are speech marks?

From novels to news reports, speech marks are used everywhere

Spelling activities for KS2

There are lots of fun ways you can liven up spelling practice!

What is SPaG? A guide

SPaG is a really important concept in English, but what does it mean?

What we offer

Quick links

All rights reserved. 

Book a chat with our team

I’m new to Doodle

My school is already using Doodle

Are you a parent, teacher or student?

Get started for free!

Maths information pack

We ask for your contact info so we can send our info pack directly to your inbox for your convenience, exam prep information pack, case studies information pack, information pack, we ask for your contact info so that our education consultants can get in touch with you and let you know a bit more about doodle., student login, which programme would you like to use.

DoodleMaths

DoodleTables

DoodleEnglish

DoodleSpell

If you’d like to use Doodle’s browser version, please visit this page on a desktop.

To log in to Doodle on this device, you can do so through our apps. You can find out how to download them here:

• Join for Free

Compound Words: Definition and Examples Explained

• by Mónica Martín Rivas @monicamartinrivas

Learn all about compound words: definitions, types, and practical examples.

What are compound words?

Compound words are words formed by the union of two or more simple words that retain their individual meanings. These words usually have a semantic relationship between their components , which allows us to understand their meaning as a whole.

Types of Compound Words in English with Examples

1. Closed Compound Words

Closed compound words are formed when two unique words are combined to create a new meaning, and they appear as a single word. These are prevalent in English and are often used in everyday language.

- Notebook (note + book) : A book with blank pages for writing notes. - Sunflower (sun + flower) : A plant known for its large flower heads that turn toward the sun. - Keyboard (key + board) : A set of keys for operating a computer or typewriter.

2. Open Compound Words

Open compounds are written as separate words but, when used together, represent a single item or concept. These are sometimes harder to recognize as compound words due to their appearance.

- Full moon (full + moon) : The phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated. - Living room (living + room) : A room in a residence used for common social activities. - Post office (post + office) : A public department that handles mail and postage.

3. Hyphenated Compound Words

Hyphenated compounds are two or more words that are connected by one or more hyphens. They often arise when modifying phrases come before nouns, or when the compound word itself is formed from multiple parts.

- Mother-in-law (mother + in + law) : The mother of one's spouse. - Well-being (well + being) : The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. - Long-term (long + term) : Involving, maturing over, or remaining for a long time.

4. Compound Nouns

A subcategory of compound words, compound nouns combine two or more words to create a new noun. They can be closed, open, or hyphenated.

- Toothbrush (tooth + brush) : A brush for cleaning teeth. - Ice cream (ice + cream) : A frozen sweet dessert made from cream or milk and sugar. - Brother-in-law (brother + in + law) : The brother of one's spouse or the husband of one's sibling.

5. Compound Adjectives

These are adjectives consisting of two or more words and often come with hyphens. They provide a unique way to describe objects and situations.

- High-speed (high + speed) : Operating at, capable of, or involving high speed. - Old-fashioned (old + fashioned) : In the style of an earlier period. - English-speaking (English + speaking) : Able to speak English.

Examples of compound words with their meanings

- Earthquake

Meaning: A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action. Origin: From "earth" and "quake," indicating the shaking or quaking of the earth.

Meaning: A ball of packed snow, especially one made for throwing playfully. Origin: From "snow" and "ball," referring to a ball made of snow.

- Firefighter

Meaning: A person whose job is to extinguish fires. Origin: From "fire" and "fighter," denoting someone who fights against fire.

- Sunflower

Meaning: A tall plant with large yellow flowers that produce edible seeds. Origin: From "sun" and "flower," likely due to its appearance and tendency to turn towards the sun.

- Toothbrush

Meaning: A small brush with a long handle, used for cleaning the teeth. Origin: From "tooth" and "brush," indicating a brush used for teeth.

- Waterproof

Meaning: Impervious to water. Origin: From "water" and "proof," signifying something that proves or tests against water.

- Blackboard

Meaning: A large board with a smooth, dark surface, used for writing on with chalk in classrooms. Origin: From "black" and "board," describing the board's color and its purpose.

Meaning: A curved, multicolored band that appears in the sky when sunlight shines through rain. Origin: From "rain" and "bow," referring to the bow-like shape that appears during or after rain.

Meaning: An official document issued by a government, certifying the holder's identity and citizenship, and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries. Origin: From "pass" and "port," historically implying permission to enter or leave a port or cross borders.

Examples of Compound Words Used in Sentences

1. Flashlight

Sentence: "During the power outage, she relied on her trusty flashlight to navigate through the dark house." Context: 'Flashlight' refers to a small portable electric light.

2. Grasshopper

Sentence: "The grasshopper leaped from one blade of grass to another, enjoying the sunny day." Context: 'Grasshopper' is a long-legged insect that hops on grass.

3. Blueberry

Sentence: "She added fresh blueberries to the pancake batter for a fruity flavor." Context: 'Blueberry' describes a small blue edible berry.

Sentence: "Children built castles and dug tunnels in the sandbox at the playground." Context: 'Sandbox' is a box filled with sand for children to play in.

5. Bookshelf

Sentence: "He arranged his extensive collection of novels on the new bookshelf." Context: 'Bookshelf' refers to a shelf for holding books.

Sentence: "Every morning, she checked the mailbox for letters and packages." Context: 'Mailbox' is a box into which mail is delivered.

7. Snowflake

Sentence: "Each snowflake that fell from the sky had a unique and intricate design." Context: 'Snowflake' is a single ice crystal that has fallen as snow.

Sentence: "She sipped her hot tea from a delicate porcelain teacup." Context: 'Teacup' is a small cup used for drinking tea.

9. Goldfish

Sentence: "The small goldfish swam gracefully around the aquarium, captivating the children." Context: 'Goldfish' is a small golden or orange-colored freshwater fish often kept as a pet.

10. Starlight

Sentence: "Under the clear night sky, the starlight illuminated the path through the woods." Context: 'Starlight' refers to the light emitted by stars, especially as observed from the earth's surface.

You may also be interested in:

- Writing courses - Introduction to Interviewing: The Art of Conversation Course - Blog Writing: Find Your Personal Style Course

Recommended courses

Storytelling Techniques for Conveying a Message

A course by Gabriel García de Oro

Discover the most powerful tool for effectively communicating your brand, business, or work through emotions

• 98% ( 674 )

Writing Exercises: From the Blank Page to Everyday Practice

A course by Aniko Villalba

Engage in creative writing exercises that document and generate ideas, and transform it into a regular practice

• 98% ( 1.3K )

Visual Poetry Diary: tell stories with photos and verses

A course by Lina Botero

Learn to tell stories by combining different languages, such as words, video, and photography to express your emotions in an original way.

• 99% ( 240 )
• Follow Domestika

Understanding Compound Words (Definition, List, For Kids, Examples)

Compound words can make the English language fun . But it can also make the English language difficult to comprehend. When a single word means one thing. And then two different words mean something else. Then the combined word means… something new? Unfortunately, that’s correct. And can get confusing when learning English or teaching English.

Learn what compound words are in this grammar worksheet…

What are compound words?

The meaning of a compound word is practically stated in the name itself. Two words turning into one and getting used to produce a meaning that is entirely new form— is a compound word.

A compound word combines two words to create an entirely different meaning. Words that result from compounding can take three forms: open compound words, closed compound words and hyphenated compound words.

Confusion often arises as there are doubts about writing words as a single word, two individual words, or two words with a hyphen .

What are open compound words?

Open compound words are written as two individual words. An excellent example of an open compound word would be ice cream. “Ice” and “cream” mean two entirely different things on their own, but when combine, means something else.

Open compound words are produced when a noun is used with an adjective modifies it. This blend creates a new noun.

It’s incorrect to think you can place a noun with any modifying adjective to form a compound word.

This makes it challenging for most of us to form or identify compound words in English.

Here are some commonly used compound words in English:

• dinner table
• living room
• real estate

It should be noted that adverbs that end with “ly” can also make combinations with other words to form compound words.

Here again, these are written as two individual words:

• newly formed
• largely irrelevant
• tongue twister

What are closed compound words?

Once you have grasped what open compound words are, you won’t find it hard to understand the concept of closed compound words.

These can confuse people as they often sound like two words that are separate from each other (in speech).

These are two individual words written as a single complete word.

There is no gap (or space) between a closed compound word, so the word “closed” gets used to define it and name it.

These are words that, previously, were not used as single words. Over time, these have become acceptable in the English language.

Here are some examples of closed compound words :

English, as a written and spoken language, is continuously evolving.

How can compound words get created? When words are used more often than they were previously, they are often blended into a single word.

For instance, when the internet initially entered our lives , we spoke about everyone being “on-line.”

Nowadays, using the internet is as common as having a glass of water and is an everyday experience.

As a result, the word “online” is now accepted as a word.

What are hyphenated compound words?

An essential grammar rule to remember is that in the majority of cases, compound adjectives are hyphenated when they occur before the nouns they modify.

They are not hyphenated when they occur after the nouns they modify.

View the examples below:

• An up-to-date outfit
• A long-term plan
• A close-up shot

Now, view these incorrect examples:

• This outfit does not seem up to date .
• This is not a good plan for the long term.
• The shot looks blurred when seen close up.

Hyphens are used with compound words. And when writing, you can get a few reminders of when to use them.

Some writers refuse to use them as they state that the writing becomes “messier” with a hyphen between two words. This is personal preference and should only get used in informal writing tones .

Remember, hyphens work with compound words followed by a noun, like “sun-bleached hair.”

They don’t do well with adjectives modified by their adverbs.

For instance, you can write these things without hyphens:

• lightly salted fish
• poorly crafted work
• distantly related uncles

Hyphens work with compound words that get accompanied by adjectives and end in participles:

• a weird-looking snake
• pan-fried noodles
• jaw-dropping dance moves

Refer to the table for the three compound word forms:

Compound words (open, closed, and hyphenated) can make the English language challenging to fully comprehend.

Remember, open form compound words are two words which are written independently of one another, separated by space. Compounds verbs are words which describe an action. Unlike a regular verb , a compound verb is made up of two words.

Examples of compound words

It’s best to see how compound words work in regular sentences. They’ll be easy to denote as they take two words and combine them into a single word—resulting in an entirely new meaning.

Examples of compound words in sentences

Here are examples of how compound words are used in English in sentences you may be familiar with:

• The baseball hit the pitch with a loud thud.
• Her lifestyle includes going on at least two cruises in a year.
• The post office shut as a result of the discourse.
• The backyard, filled with auburn leaves in the autumn, looked resplendent.
• Mary’s shoelace became undone after her run .
• The double-decker sped at breakneck speed down the busy street.
• His self-esteem hit him as the professor scolded him in front of his classmates .
• They worked in a self-paced manner while building the wall.
• Disappointed with his poor performance, the runner-up in the competition cried a lot .
• The ruin of the battleship lay bereft in the ocean.

Compound words list

Here is a list of commonly used compound words.

You may find that you recognize some you use in everyday speech and writing:

• afterthought
• sweet tooth
• half-sister
• table tennis
• seventy-two
• high school
• half brother
• over the counter
• on-campus (as in on-campus accommodation)
• full-time employee

Compound words for kindergarten children

When we teach kids a new concept, we tend to bring ourselves to a level they will understand. Consequently, concerning compound words, several exercises are used in to help children comprehend them.

It’s best to start with common words that children can see regularly. The following compound word list will display this:

• grandmother
• junior school
• jogging pants
• outer space

Kids can learn things much faster than adults. Children tend to love compound words as the comprehension of the single word and the several ways it can get used rather than learning entirely new parts of speech .

More compound words for kids.

Full list of compound words

Here is a full list of compound words.

• Afterburner
• Backbreaker
• Backstretch
• Blackberries
• Butterfingers
• Butterflies
• Butterscotch
• Candlelight
• Candlestick
• Carpetbagger
• Cheeseburger
• Coffeemaker
• Commonplace
• Commonwealth
• Cottonmouth
• Counterattack
• Counterbalance
• Counterclockwise
• Counterintelligence
• Countermeasure
• Counteroffensive
• Counterpane
• Counterpart
• Counterpoint
• Counterpoise
• Eyecatching
• Eye-catching
• Firecracker
• Firefighter
• Foreclosure
• Glassmaking
• Grandchildren
• Granddaughter
• Grandfather
• Grandmaster
• Grandmother
• Grandnephew
• Grandnieces
• Grandparent
• Grasshopper
• Headquarters
• Honeysuckle
• Horseradish
• Housekeeper
• Laughingstock
• Overabundance
• Racquetball
• Rattlesnake
• Readywitted
• Schoolhouse
• Sharecropper
• Sharpshooter
• Shipbuilder
• Silversmith
• Spokesperson
• Supercharge
• Superhighways
• Superimpose
• Supermarket
• Supernatural
• Superscript
• Supersensitive
• Superstrong
• Superstructure
• Supertanker
• Superweapon
• Tenderhearted
• Thunderbird
• Thunderbolt
• Thundershower
• Thunderstorm
• Underachieve
• Undercharge
• Underclothes
• Undercurrent
• Underdevelop
• Underesimate
• Underestimate
• Underexpose
• Underfinance
• Undergarment
• Undergraduate
• Underground
• Undergrowth
• Underhanded
• Upperclassman
• Warmblooded
• Warmhearted
• Wastebasket
• Watercooler
• Weathercock
• Weatherproof
• Wheelbarrow

No, unlike a hyphenated compound word, a compound noun does not get a hyphen. And joins the two separate words to create a new words to determine its own meaning. When the words combine, it can be something brand new that two separate words don’t mean.

Mother-in-law, sister-in-law.

Three types: closed compound words, open compound words and hyphenated compound words.

References:

• Compound Words: Open, Closed, or Hyphenated? | Grammarly
• What Are Compound Words? – Meaning & Examples – Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com
• Examples of Compound Words by Type (yourdictionary.com)
• Compounds – English Grammar Today – Cambridge Dictionary

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

Core lessons

• Abstract Noun
• Accusative Case
• Active Sentence
• Alliteration
• Adjective Clause
• Adjective Phrase
• Adverbial Clause
• Appositive Phrase
• Body Paragraph
• Compound Adjective
• Complex Sentence
• Compound Words
• Compound Predicate
• Common Noun
• Comparative Adjective
• Comparative and Superlative
• Compound Noun
• Compound Subject
• Compound Sentence
• Copular Verb
• Collective Noun
• Colloquialism
• Conciseness
• Conditional
• Concrete Noun
• Conjunction
• Conjugation
• Conditional Sentence
• Comma Splice
• Correlative Conjunction
• Coordinating Conjunction
• Coordinate Adjective
• Cumulative Adjective
• Dative Case
• Declarative Statement
• Direct Object Pronoun
• Direct Object
• Dangling Modifier
• Demonstrative Pronoun
• Demonstrative Adjective
• Direct Characterization
• Definite Article
• Doublespeak
• Equivocation Fallacy
• Future Perfect Progressive
• Future Simple
• Future Perfect Continuous
• Future Perfect
• First Conditional
• Gerund Phrase
• Genitive Case
• Helping Verb
• Irregular Adjective
• Irregular Verb
• Imperative Sentence
• Indefinite Article
• Intransitive Verb
• Introductory Phrase
• Indefinite Pronoun
• Indirect Characterization
• Interrogative Sentence
• Intensive Pronoun
• Inanimate Object
• Indefinite Tense
• Infinitive Phrase
• Interjection
• Intensifier
• Indicative Mood
• Juxtaposition
• Linking Verb
• Misplaced Modifier
• Nominative Case
• Noun Adjective
• Object Pronoun
• Object Complement
• Order of Adjectives
• Parallelism
• Prepositional Phrase
• Past Simple Tense
• Past Continuous Tense
• Past Perfect Tense
• Past Progressive Tense
• Present Simple Tense
• Present Perfect Tense
• Personal Pronoun
• Personification
• Persuasive Writing
• Parallel Structure
• Phrasal Verb
• Predicate Adjective
• Predicate Nominative
• Phonetic Language
• Plural Noun
• Punctuation
• Punctuation Marks
• Preposition
• Preposition of Place
• Parts of Speech
• Possessive Adjective
• Possessive Determiner
• Possessive Case
• Possessive Noun
• Proper Adjective
• Proper Noun
• Present Participle
• Quotation Marks
• Relative Pronoun
• Reflexive Pronoun
• Reciprocal Pronoun
• Subordinating Conjunction
• Simple Future Tense
• Stative Verb
• Subjunctive
• Subject Complement
• Subject of a Sentence
• Sentence Variety
• Second Conditional
• Superlative Adjective
• Slash Symbol
• Topic Sentence
• Types of Nouns
• Types of Sentences
• Uncountable Noun
• Vowels and Consonants

Popular lessons

Stay awhile. Your weekly dose of grammar and English fun.

The world's best online resource for learning English. Understand words, phrases, slang terms, and all other variations of the English language.

• Abbreviations
• Editorial Policy

What Are Compound Words in English?

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In morphology , a compound word is made up of two or more words that express a single idea and function as a single word.

The most common types of compound words in English are compound nouns (e.g., cheeseburger ), compound adjectives (" red-hot temper"), and compound verbs (" waterproof the deck").

The rules for spelling compound words are not consistent. Some compound words are written as a single word ( eyeglasses ), some as two (or more) hyphenated words ( brother-in-law ), and some as two (or more) separate words ( soccer stadium ).

Examples and Observations

• "As the car pulled into the parking lot , Kenny Dennard whipped a snowball right at the windshield ." (John Feinstein, Forever's Team . Villard, 1989)
• On Sunday afternoons in the summer, my grandfather and I enjoyed eating hot dogs at the ballpark .
• "While we were waiting for our food, I played with my chopsticks . They make excellent drumsticks . I also told Dad all about this big baseball game we were going to play after school the next day." (Dan Greenburg, Zack Files 13: The Misfortune Cookie . Turtleback, 1998)
• "He hid in a cave until the ship had left, only to find that his shipmates had taken pity on him, and left him a barrel of biscuits and a fire, which he kept alight for months. A year later a southbound ship stopped by." (Simon Winchester, Outposts . Penguin, 2003)
• "A diary can take almost any form: written responses to a periodic e-mail reminder, a handwritten notebook , a narrated video, or photos with written commentary." (Kim Goodwin, Designing for the Digital Age . Wiley, 2009)
• "In Aboriginal Australia all home building was do-it-yourself ." (Tony Dingle, "Necessity the Mother of Invention, or Do-It-Yourself." A History of European Housing in Australia , ed. by Patrick Troy. Cambridge University Press, 2000)
• "I became a shop steward immediately and a trustee in 1936. . . . I became the local's secretary-treasurer in 1946." (Mary Callahan, quoted in Rocking the Boat: Union Women's Voices, 1915-1975 . Rutger's University Press, 1996)
• "On a hot day, nothing beats walking into a nice, cool, air-conditioned home. Unfortunately, running your air conditioner is expensive and eats up energy." (Eric Corey Freed, Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies . Wiley, 2008)
• Heads of Compound Words "One part of a compound word is usually clearly its head , in a general way able to represent the meaning of the whole compound. The heads of the various types of compound word are [in capital letters] in this list: bellBOY, spin-DRY, red HOT, inTO, and/OR . It can be seen that in English, the head of a compound word is always the last element, on the right-hand end. (This is not true of compound words in all languages, however.)" (James R. Hurford, Grammar: A Student's Guide . Cambridge University Press, 1994)
• Dividing Compound Words "If you divide a compound word at the end of a line, place the hyphen between the elements of the compound ( snow-mobile , not snowmo-bile )." (Laurie Kirszner and Stephen Mandell, The Concise Wadsworth Handbook , 2nd ed. Wadsworth, 2008)
• Metaphorical Compounds " Metaphors furnished with common household objects are figures of speech that we literally live with every day. Some of these comparisons are new, such as a couch potato , a phrase that compares lumpish watchers of television to lumpy potatoes: the longer couch potatoes sit, the deeper they put down their roots." (Richard Lederer, The Play of Words . Simon & Schuster, 1990)
• Complex Compounds "It is possible to form a compound from two words one of which is itself a compound. For example, we can combine the compound law degree with the word requirement to get the complex compound law degree requirement . This compound can in turn be combined with changes to get law degree requirement changes , and so on. . . . [T]he process is essentially unlimited." (Bruce Hayes. Introductory Phonology . Wiley, 2009)
• What Is a Compound Verb?
• Synthetic Compound Words Examples
• What Is Compounding in the English Language?
• Tmesis: Grammatical and Rhetorical Term
• Root Compound
• Don't Confuse the Hyphen With the Dash
• serial verbs
• Cranberry Morpheme Used in Grammar
• Compound Tenses in English Grammar
• Definition and Examples of Kennings in English
• lexeme (words) Definition, Etymology and Examples
• Definition and Examples of Monomorphemic Words
• Using the Simple Sentence in Writing
• What Is an Exocentric Compound?
• Premodifiers in Grammar
• What Is a Loan Translation or Calque?

Over 6,200 homeschool resources and growing!

Free Compound Words Worksheets and Printable Games

Published: September 14, 2021

Contributor: Carrie

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Introducing compound words doesn’t have to be boring. I remember doing lots fun compound word activities when I was in school. Help your students combine words they have already learned with these free compound words worksheets and printable games. Be sure to scroll to the end and grab our Free Compound Words Cut and Paste Activity Pack instant download. 

What is a compound word?

When you describe what a compound word is to your students it may blow their minds. It is hard enough to learn smaller words but now – they have to put two words together.

That is exactly what a compound word is. Two words are fused together to form a new word meaning. The meaning is entirely new as the word homework . Home then work means schoolwork done in your house, and you totally get why those two words were put together.

A compound word can be a combination of noun + noun , adjective + noun, or a combo of nouns, verbs, prepositions, and adverbs .

What are the types of compound words?

There are three different types of compound words. So, to add to the complexity, not all compound words are put together the same way.

The 3 different types of compound words are closed compound words, open compound words, and hyphenated compound words.

Closed Compound Words – These two words do not have a space between them like these common compound words; classroom, homeschool, and sunlight. Closed compound words are the most common and the ones you can use to start introducing the concept to your kids.

Open Compound Words – Then, when there are two words right next to each other but they still make up a new meaning you have open compound words. The words seem separate with a space, yet when put next to each other they create one unique meaning. Examples of these open compounds are full moon, ice cream, coffee mug, and real estate.

Hyphenated Compound Words – Two words joined together by a hyphen are also called compound words – hyphenated compound words. Usually, the hyphenated compound word is an adjective word that precedes the noun it modifies (or describes). However, this isn’t ALWAYS the case.

Some examples of compound words with hyphens are long-term relationships, check-in times, mother-in-law, and twenty-three points.

Sometimes students need a little help recognizing the two words that build a compound word.

These free compound words worksheets and free compound words printable games are a fun way to learn all about them! Check out the free resources below to introduce and teach compound words in your homeschool. Here is a free downloadable compound words list if you need it.

Scroll through our big list of printable compound word worksheets, games, and activities and grab the ones that will be helpful to you. 

Compound Words Printable Worksheets

Free Compound Word Worksheets – Help your children practice compound words with this collection of compound words worksheets for skills practice. This free resource also has a list of compound words for your students to view.

Apple Theme Compound Words Worksheets – These adorable compound words and compound adjective words worksheets are exactly what your children need to improve their skills. English worksheets like these are perfect for your little ones to start getting familiar with compounds.

Compound Words Assessment Worksheet – Gauge where your children are with compound word knowledge. This 20-question assessment will help you determine your child’s level of comprehension for compound words.

Various Grade Compound Word Worksheets – Check out this awesome resource of compound word worksheets. There are free worksheets for K – 4th grade, and specific worksheets for 1st grade, 2nd grade kids, 3rd grade, and 4th grade.

Matching Compound Words Worksheet – This worksheet activity is for 1st to 3rd graders. It is a simple and fun matching activity worksheet for kids to create simple compound words.

Compound Words Printable Games

File Folder Compound Words Game – Grab this fun game to teach your students new compound words. It may be time to go from small words to bigger ones by learning different types of compound words with this folder game.

Compound Words Card Games – These compound words matching games and other games are perfect for knowing how to break apart the two words that make up a compound word. This free resource will be a hit with your kids.

Card Game with Compound Words – Putting word parts together with this card game will be fun for your young learners. Match the word and clip art image to the correct pictures kids can form a list of compound words.

Compound Words Snowball Fight – Check out the text link and new window for a quick fun game for introducing your students to compound words. You can also use the cards to play the classic “memory” game.

Printable Compound Words Game for Kids – Use this game so two small words can form a new word to get a brand new meaning. Individual words and images won’t be alone for long with this fun compound words pack game.

Compound Words Printable Activities

Compound Word Folder Activity – This is a subscription freebie compound words game. You could also use these printables to create a Compound Word Folder, a lift-the-flap book of sorts, as shown in the picture below.

Compound Word Puzzles – Getting an understanding of compound words can be puzzling. (See what I did there?) Anyway, check out this super fun activity to help your students practice compound words.

Part 2 of the Compound Word Puzzles Above – Help your students master the concept of compound words with Part 2 of the compound word puzzles above from Playdough to Plato. Your young readers can help perfect their skills with extra practice.

Compound Words Stamping with Kinetic Sand Activity – This is an absolutely fun activity to help your students build their word bank as they grab this free printable pdf to help. Kids can actually stamp compound words in the sand.

Graphic Organizer for Compound Words – This free compound word foldable organizer is the perfect activity for extra compound word exercises. Kids will have space to make their very own compound words to build vocabulary and learn about root words.

Language Arts Cut & Paste Activity (Including Compound Words) – Grab even more compound word practice alongside even more language arts skills with our FREE Language Arts Cut & Paste activity. This awesome hands-on activity also has practice for homonyms, homonyms, homophones, rhyming words, synonyms, and antonyms. 

Free Compound Words Cut and Paste Activity Pack

Instant Download from WriteBonnieRose: Your young learners can get some fine motor skills practice with this FREE Compound Word Cut & Paste unit. They can have fun finding the right cards and pictures they can put together to make 24 compound words. Then they can cut each one out and paste it in the correct place on the worksheets.

Download: Free Compound Words Cut and Paste Activity Pack

• Cut & Paste
• Instant Download

Carrie Fernandez is the owner of  Daily Skill Building . She has been homeschooling for over 18 years, has two girls and works side by side at home with her awesome husband. She has been saved by grace, fails daily, but continues to strive toward the prize of the high calling of being a daughter of the Most High God.

Related resources

8 FREE McGuffey Resources to Help Kids Learn to Read

25 of the Best Outdoor Survival Books for Your Teens

50+ Creative Writing Prompts 3rd Grade Kids Will Love

41+ Thrilling Ted Dekker Books List in Order for Teens

2900+ Free Copywork Worksheets for Your Homeschool

All 37 Dear Canada Books in Order

• School Guide
• English Grammar Free Course
• English Grammar Tutorial
• Parts of Speech
• Figure of Speech
• Tenses Chart
• Essay Writing
• Email Writing
• NCERT English Solutions
• English Difference Between
• SSC CGL English Syllabus
• SBI PO English Syllabus
• SBI Clerk English Syllabus
• IBPS PO English Syllabus
• IBPS CLERK English Syllabus

Compound Words: Definition, Types & Uses

Language is a dynamic and ever-changing thing, shaped by the imagination and intelligence of its speakers. The usage of compound words is one of the most intriguing aspects of language formation. These linguistic wonders are created by combining two or more words to produce a new, often subtle meaning. While compound words are a part of everyday conversation, deciding whether to use spaces, hyphens, or neither can be complicated.

In this blog, we will delve into the details of compound words, looking at their structure, importance, and function in improving our communication.

Table of Content

What is a Compound Word?

Types of compound words, open compound words, closed compound words, hyphenated compound words, compound word formation, list of commonly-used compound words in english, things to keep in mind when forming compound words.

Compound words are composed of two or more words that work together. They can be almost any part of speech , including nouns , verbs , adjectives , adverbs , and even prepositions like inside, outside, within, and without.

Compound words have separate meanings that differ from the meanings of the individual words they are composed of. For example, the compound word grandparent is formed by combining the distinct words grand and parent. While grandparents and parents are similar, they are not identical—and not all grandparents are grand!

Compound words are frequently mistaken for blended words, also known as portmanteaus, but the two are fundamentally different. Each word in a compound term remains the same. However, with portmanteaus, or mixed words, just portions of each word are utilized. For example, the term internet is a portmanteau of the words interconnected and network. If it were a compound term, it would be something like an interconnected network, with both words intact and uncut.

There are three types of compound words in grammar, determined by how the words are separated.

• Open compound words: spaces between the words
• Closed compound words: no spaces between the words
• Hyphenated compound words: hyphens between the words

The various kinds of compound words simply impact the spellings of the words, not how they are used or pronounced. Still, understanding these variances is crucial because you must use proper spelling while writing. Let’s take a look at each group individually and go over a special compound word list for each.

Open compound words contain spaces between the words, making them difficult to identify. Regardless of how they seem, open compound words always behave as single words. They always appear together in the same order, and each has its own distinct significance.

Open compound words are usually nouns, which are used in the same way as conventional nouns. If you want to pluralize an open compound term, you normally simply pluralize the last word in the group, not the entire group.

Incorrect: Mia got sick from eating ten hots dogs.

Correct: Mia got sick from eating ten hot dogs.

Phrasal verbs are open compound words that function as verbs. Phrasal verbs have their own set of rules, but in general, just one of the words in the group gets conjugated while the others remain unchanged.

Incorrect : He found outed too late.

Incorrect : He find outed too late.

Correct : He found out too late.

However, be aware that open compound words may require a hyphen if they are employed in a different part of speech. For example, when used as a noun, the compound phrase test drive is open; when used as a verb, it is hyphenated as test-drive.

Test drives are important. I always test-drive a new car before purchasing.

Examples of Open Compound Words

• common sense
• cotton candy
• dining room
• heart attack

Closed compound words are easier to remember and use than open compound words. There are no spaces between the words, so closed compound words both look and act like individual words.

Closed compound words occur in almost every part of speech. Closed compound words include adverbs like occasionally and anyday, as well as the prepositions inside, outside, within, and without. Even the word cannot, which is a contraction of the phrase “can not,” is a closed compound word.

Examples of Closed Compound Words

• anybody, everybody, nobody, somebody
• anyone, everyone, someone (but not no one), anything, everything, nothing, something
• anywhere, everywhere, nowhere, somewhere
• baseball, basketball, football, etc.

Last are hyphenated compound words, which have hyphens between them. These can be difficult to spell if you’re not sure if there’s a hyphen or a space, so start with a compound word list and work your way up to learning each individual spelling. Otherwise, you can quickly seek out the right spelling using a spell checker.

When hyphenated compound words are nouns, make sure to pluralize the appropriate portion. Unlike open compound terms, you do not necessarily pluralize the group’s final word. For example, with the hyphenated compound term mother-in-law, you pluralize mother rather than law.

Incorrect: Some spouses don’t like their mother-in-laws, but I get along with mine.

Correct: Some spouses don’t like their mothers-in-law, but I get along with mine.

However, each hyphenated compound word is different, and sometimes the s comes at the end. For example, the plural of merry-go-round is merry-go-rounds.

The merry-go-rounds are my favorite part of any amusement park.

As an adjective, a hyphenated compound word acts the same as a hyphen with compound modifiers.

The twenty-year-old students tried a long-distance relationship.

Examples of Hyphenated Compound Words

• editor-in-chief
• empty-handed
• far-fetched
• father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law,etc.
• free-for-all
• know-it-all

As we have just covered, compound words are created by joining two words, particularly two components of speech. We’ll examine a few instances of compound words by combining different aspects of speech.

Noun + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining two nouns.

• Police woman

Noun + Verb

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a noun and a verb.

Verb + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a verb and a noun.

• Post office

Verb + Preposition

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a verb and a preposition.

Preposition + Verb

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a preposition and a verb.

• Underestimate

Noun + Adjective

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a noun and an adjective.

• Heartbroken

Adjective + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining an adjective and a noun.

• Last minute

Gerund + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a gerund and a noun.

• Washing machine
• Dining room
• Swimming pool
• Driving licence
• Breaking point
• Melting point
• Living room
• Working day

Noun + Gerund

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a noun and a gerund.

• Sightseeing
• Mind-blowing
• Nerve-wrecking
• Nail-biting
• Brainstorming
• Mindmapping
• Air conditioning
• Time-consuming
• Bird watching

Preposition + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a preposition and a noun.

• Undergraduate

Following is a list of some of the most often used compound terms in the English language.

Have you ever attempted to combine two or more terms with entirely distinct meanings? If you do, you’ll discover that certain intriguing pairings function, have meanings distinct from their separate ones, and add a great deal of energy and vibrancy to your language. You should be aware of something right now. To create a new term, you cannot simply mix any two words together. Make sure to create and employ complex terms correctly. When creating and utilising compound terms, keep the following few things in mind.

• One can categorise compound terms as either transient or permanent. Words that are already part of the language are considered permanent compounds, while words created specifically to meet the needs of the writer or speaker are known as temporary compounds. Words like “red-headed,” “left-handed,” “bright-eyed,” and so on are examples of permanent compound words that are already part of the English language, whereas words like “grandmother,” “blackboard,” “first aid,” and so on are examples of words that can be produced to fit the needs of language users.
• Here’s something to keep in mind to help you a little. Compound adjectives are expressed as hyphenated compound words, compound verbs as open compound words, and compound nouns as closed compound words in most circumstances. But this isn’t always the case and it’s not a rule.
• In terms of hyphenated compound words, they are only considered hyphenated when they come before the noun they modify.

Also Read: How to Write a Research Hypothesis- Step-By-Step Guide With Examples List of 30 Common Literary Devices to Know: Definitions & Examples List of 100+ Hardest English Words to Pronounce and Spell List of 500+ Beautiful Cool English Words You Must Know List of 400+ Positive Words That Start With A, B… And All The Way Through Z for Zingy

In conclusion, compound words are a testament to the dynamic nature of language, embodying the creativity and adaptability of human expression. From closed compounds to open compounds and hyphenated compounds, the structural diversity of these linguistic marvels enables speakers to convey complex ideas with efficiency and precision. Compound words play a crucial role in shaping our communication, offering a rich tapestry of meanings that go beyond the boundaries of individual words.

Compound Words- FAQs

What is a compound of a word.

Compound words are separate words (or phrases that function as independent words) composed of two or more words that work together. They can be almost any part of speech, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and even prepositions like inside, outside, within, and without.

What is the rule for compound words?

An open compound term contains gaps between the words (for example, “high school”). A hyphenated compound word contains hyphens between the words (for example, “sister-in-law”). A closed compound word is written without spaces or punctuation (for example, “cheesecake”).

Is Butterfly a compound word?

Yes, “butterfly” is a compound word consisting of the words “butter” and “fly.” It’s a closed compound word since the two words work together without a space to convey the noun’s appropriate meaning.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

• SSC/Banking
• English Blogs
• 105 Funny Things to Do to Make Someone Laugh
• Best PS5 SSDs in 2024: Top Picks for Expanding Your Storage
• Best Nintendo Switch Controllers in 2024
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Features, Benefits, and Pricing in 2024
• #geekstreak2024 – 21 Days POTD Challenge Powered By Deutsche Bank

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Is homework one word or two words?

Homework is one word.

The term "homemade" is a proper compound word. Advertisers occasionally use the two-word form.

Home cooked is two words.

Sometimes you may add a hyphen, for example "home-cooked".

home cooked or home-cooked

The word "homemade" is one word.

Add your answer:

Why is homework called homework?

Homework is a compound word made up of the two words home and work. Homework is called this simply because it is supposed to be done at home.

Is back out one word or two words?

It's one word.One word as an adjective; two words as a noun

Is outsourced one word two words or hyphenated?

in-house - two words, hyphenated.

Is one day one word or two words?

Two words - "one day".

Is goal keeper one word?

Top Categories

• English Vocabulary
• Compound Words

Compound Words - Learn What They Are and How to Use Them with Examples

Have you ever wondered how you would construct a sentence if there were no words? Luckily, for us, we have languages that have a wide range of vocabulary. Among the languages of the world, the English language is one that has a good vocabulary range. In addition to the words in English, there are also words borrowed from other languages called loan words, and words that are formed by combining two different words to form compound words. In this article, you will be introduced to compound words, what they are, their meaning, definition, how to form compound words and how they can be used. Also, take a look at the examples given and the list of compound words to understand how they can be formed.

Table of Contents

What is a compound word – meaning and definition, open compound words, closed compound words, hyphenated compound words, points to remember when forming compound words, formation of compound words, list of commonly-used compound words in english, test your understanding of compound words, frequently asked questions on compound words in english.

A compound word, as the name suggests, is a combination of two or more root words. They are combined to form words which mean something different from what the individual words mean.

A compound word, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined 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.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines a compound word as “two or more words linked together to produce a word with a new meaning.” A compound word is defined as “is one that is made up of two or more words”, according to the Collins Dictionary.

Types of Compound Words

Compound words can be formed in three different ways. They are:

• Open compound words
• Closed compound words
• Hyphenated compound words

Let us look at how each of these types of compound words are formed.

Open compound words are those that are formed by combining two or more words which can be written as separate words and still be used together as a compound word. Open compound words are mostly formed by combining an adjective and a noun to form a compound noun.

For example:

• Post office
• Living room
• High school

Closed compound words are those that are formed by combining two words but do not contain any space between them, unlike open compound words.

Hyphenated compound words, as the name suggests are words formed by combining two or more words with a hyphen placed between them. Hyphenated compound words mostly function as compound adjectives.

Have you tried merging two or more words that mean completely different things? If you do, you will find out that some interesting combinations work, mean something different from what their individual meanings are and make your language a lot more interesting and colourful. Now, there is something you should know. You cannot just combine any two words together to form a word. Make sure you make proper compound words and use them appropriately. Here are a few points you will have to bear in mind when forming and using compound words.

• Compound words can be said to be permanent compounds or temporary compounds. Permanent compound words are those that are already a part of the language; whereas, a temporary compound word is one that is formed to suit the writer’s or speaker’s requirement. For example, words like first aid, grandmother, lawsuit, blackboard, etc. are permanent compound words which already exist in the English language and words like red-headed, left-handed, bright-eyed, etc. are the kind of words that can be created to suit the requirement of the language user.
• To help you a little, here is something you can remember. In most cases, compound nouns are written as a closed compound word, a compound verb is written as an open compound word and a compound adjective is written as a hyphenated compound word. However, this is not a rule and is not always the case.
• As far as hyphenated compound words are concerned, they are hyphenated only if they are placed before the noun it modifies.

Compound words, as discussed earlier, are formed by combining two words, especially two parts of speech . Let us look at some combinations of parts of speech that form compound words.

Noun + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining two nouns.

• Police woman

Noun + Verb

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a noun and a verb.

Verb + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a verb and a noun.

Verb + Preposition

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a verb and a preposition .

Preposition + Verb

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a preposition and a verb.

• Underestimate

Noun + Adjective

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a noun and an adjective.

• Heartbroken

Adjective + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining an adjective and a noun.

• Last minute

Gerund + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a gerund and a noun.

• Washing machine
• Dining room
• Swimming pool
• Driving licence
• Breaking point
• Melting point
• Working day

Noun + Gerund

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a noun and a gerund.

• Sightseeing
• Mind-blowing
• Nerve-wrecking
• Nail-biting
• Brainstorming
• Mindmapping
• Air conditioning
• Time-consuming
• Bird watching

Preposition + Noun

Here is a list of compound words formed by combining a preposition and a noun.

• Undergraduate

Examples of Compound Words

Taking a look at a number of examples will definitely help you out. So here is a list of some of the most common compound words used in English.

Use the following words to form open, closed or hyphenated compound words.

Given below are the list of compound words formed by combining the given list of words.

1. Homesick

2.Hand-written

3. White-washed

4. Well-known

6. Half-sister

7. Flashcard

8. Right-handed

10. Broad-minded

What are compound words?

Compound words, as the name suggests, are a combination of two or more root words. They are combined to form words which mean something different from what the individual words mean.

What is the definition of a compound word?

A compound word, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined 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.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines a compound word as “two or more words linked together to produce a word with a new meaning.” A compound word is defined as “is one that is made up of two or more words”, according to the Collins Dictionary.

What are the three types of compound words?

What is an open compound word.

Open compound words are those that are formed by combining two or more words which can be written as separate words and still be used together as a compound word. Open compound words are mostly formed by combining an adjective and a noun to form a compound noun. For example: First aid and post office

What is a closed compound word?

Closed compound words are those that are formed by combining two words but do not contain any space between them, unlike open compound words. For example: Bedroom and keyhole

What is a hyphenated compound word?

Hyphenated compound words, as the name suggests are words formed by combining two or more words with a hyphen placed between them. Hyphenated compound words mostly function as compound adjectives. For example: In-depth and snow-clad

Give some examples of compound words.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Addition (Basic)

Addition (Multi-Digit)

Algebra & Pre-Algebra

Comparing Numbers

Daily Math Review

Division (Basic)

Division (Long Division)

Hundreds Charts

Measurement

Multiplication (Basic)

Multiplication (Multi-Digit)

Order of Operations

Place Value

Probability

Skip Counting

Subtraction

Telling Time

Word Problems (Daily)

More Math Worksheets

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension Gr. 1

Reading Comprehension Gr. 2

Reading Comprehension Gr. 3

Reading Comprehension Gr. 4

Reading Comprehension Gr. 5

Reading Comprehension Gr. 6

Reading & Writing

Reading Worksheets

Cause & Effect

Daily ELA Review

Fact & Opinion

Fix the Sentences

Graphic Organizers

Synonyms & Antonyms

Writing Prompts

Writing Story Pictures

Writing Worksheets

More ELA Worksheets

Consonant Sounds

Vowel Sounds

Consonant Blends

Consonant Digraphs

Word Families

More Phonics Worksheets

Early Literacy

Build Sentences

Sight Word Units

Sight Words (Individual)

More Early Literacy

Punctuation

Subjects and Predicates

More Grammar Worksheets

Spelling Lists

Spelling Grade 1

Spelling Grade 2

Spelling Grade 3

Spelling Grade 4

Spelling Grade 5

Spelling Grade 6

More Spelling Worksheets

Chapter Books

Charlotte's Web

Magic Tree House #1

Boxcar Children

More Literacy Units

Animal (Vertebrate) Groups

Butterfly Life Cycle

Electricity

Matter (Solid, Liquid, Gas)

Simple Machines

Space - Solar System

More Science Worksheets

Social Studies

Maps (Geography)

Maps (Map Skills)

More Social Studies

Columbus Day

Veterans Day

More Holiday Worksheets

Puzzles & Brain Teasers

Brain Teasers

Logic:  Addition Squares

Mystery Graph Pictures

Number Detective

Lost in the USA

More Thinking Puzzles

Teacher Helpers

Teaching Tools

Award Certificates

More Teacher Helpers

Pre-K and Kindergarten

Alphabet (ABCs)

Numbers and Counting

Shapes (Basic)

More Kindergarten

Worksheet Generator

Word Search Generator

Multiple Choice Generator

Fill-in-the-Blanks Generator

More Generator Tools

Full Website Index

Compound Words

When two small words are joined together, the new word is called a compound word. Use the printable worksheets and activities below to help you teach students about this phonics skill.

Logged in members can use the Super Teacher Worksheets filing cabinet to save their favorite worksheets.

Quickly access your most used files AND your custom generated worksheets!

Please login to your account or become a member and join our community today to utilize this helpful feature.

Intermediate

Here's a full list of all reading and writing worksheet sections of this site.

Compound Words Worksheet Images

PDF with answer key:

PDF no answer key: