Compound Noun in English with Example Sentences

In this lesson, you will learn the definition, usage, and examples of compound nouns in English. Understanding how to use these nouns can improve your ability to communicate more effectively and naturally in English. By mastering compound nouns, you’ll be able to expand your vocabulary and enhance your overall language skills.

Table of Contents

What is a Compound Noun?

A compound noun is a noun made up of two or more words that work together as a single noun. These words can be joined together, written separately, or connected with a hyphen.

Types of Compound Nouns

There are three types of compound nouns:

Closed Compound Nouns – The words are joined together without spaces.
Examples: notebook, sunflower, bedroom
Open Compound Nouns – The words are written separately but function as a single noun.
Examples: ice cream, post office, bus stop
Hyphenated Compound Nouns – The words are connected with a hyphen.
Examples: mother-in-law, well-being, check-in

How to Use Compound Nouns in Sentences

Compound nouns are used like regular nouns. They can be subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.

Examples:

Closed Compound Noun: My bedroom is very clean.
Open Compound Noun: We stopped at the bus stop to wait for the bus.
Hyphenated Compound Noun: My father-in-law is a kind person.

Example Sentences with Compound Nouns

I bought a new toothbrush yesterday.
She has a beautiful notebook.
We are going to the airport tomorrow.
I love eating ice cream in summer.
The bus stop is near my house.
My father-in-law is a doctor.
This is my new classroom.
She placed the flowers in the flowerpot.
We stayed in a hotel room.
He is waiting at the post office.
The living room is very spacious.
My brother has a blackboard in his room.
She is a good babysitter.
I will meet you at the coffee shop.
The policeman caught the thief.
We saw a beautiful butterfly in the garden.
The railway station is very busy.
I have a new passport.
She loves to wear a raincoat in winter.
We went to the shopping mall yesterday.
The football match was exciting.
She packed her suitcase for the trip.
My uncle is a firefighter.
The grandmother told us a story.
The playground is full of children.
I forgot my textbook at home.
We watched the sunset from the beach.
The newspaper is on the table.
She wrote her name on the blackboard.
He is a professional swimming coach.
I need a water bottle.
The birthday party was amazing.
The teacher gave me a homework assignment.
My mother-in-law is very kind.
The airport was very crowded.
We stayed in a guesthouse.
The headphones are not working.
He bought a new basketball.
We saw a rainbow in the sky.
The snowfall was heavy last night.
He loves to eat cheesecake.
I have a classmate from Japan.
She opened the notebook to write.
The bedroom is very comfortable.
The fire station is near the park.
He works at a bank office.
The candlelight dinner was romantic.
She made a handmade greeting card.
We are going to the swimming pool.
The tablecloth has a beautiful design.

FAQs about Compound Nouns

What is a compound noun in English?
A compound noun is formed by joining two or more words to create a single noun with a new meaning, such as toothpaste, basketball, or sunflower.

What are the types of compound nouns?
There are three main types:

Closed form: words joined together (notebook, toothpaste).
Hyphenated form: words joined with a hyphen (mother-in-law, six-pack).
Open form: words written separately but used together (post office, swimming pool).

Can you give examples of compound nouns in sentences?
Yes, for example: I bought a new notebook yesterday or She plays basketball every weekend.

Are all compound nouns nouns only?
No, compound nouns are always nouns, but the words forming them can be different types, such as noun + noun, adjective + noun, or verb + noun.

Why is it important to learn compound nouns with examples?
Learning compound nouns with sentences helps learners understand new meanings and use words correctly in speaking and writing.

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