{"id":4476,"date":"2021-04-09T08:39:50","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T15:39:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/?p=4476"},"modified":"2021-04-11T12:19:02","modified_gmt":"2021-04-11T19:19:02","slug":"compound-nouns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/compound-nouns\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Compound Nouns? Definition, Examples, & More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Compound nouns<\/strong><\/em> and words are essential parts of any English speaker\u2019s toolbox. The sentence you just read even contains an example of one (hint: the last word). However, we often take compound nouns for granted because they are so commonplace (I did it again!). So, what are compound nouns and why do we need them? Moreover, if they\u2019re so common, what are some examples of compound nouns? Finally, are these terms meant to be used as a single word, separate words, or two words connected by a hyphen?<\/span><\/p>\n

We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let\u2019s provide a proper definition of the term:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Compound Noun Definition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A compound noun is a noun that is made up of two words that, if separated, could stand on their own. When two distinct words are combined to form a noun, they take on a new meaning that may or may not be related to either of the original words. For example, \u201cice cream\u201d is a compound noun. Both words \u2014 ice (frozen water) and cream (a dairy product made from skimming fat from the top of milk) \u2014 have their own distinct definitions, but when combined, they turn into a delicious, frozen treat! As a result, compound nouns are an essential part of the English language.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to note that compound words are not specific to nouns. There are also compound verbs \u2014 like \u201cask for\u201d and \u201ckickstart\u201d \u2014 as well as compound adjectives like \u201cgood-looking\u201d and \u201cold-fashioned.\u201d There are even compound adverbs, like \u201ctherefore\u201d and \u201cvery well.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, you can\u2019t just put any combination of words together to form a compound word. There\u2019s no such thing as a \u201cclass flush\u201d or \u201clobster banana.\u201d That said, there are literally thousands of examples of compound words throughout the English language!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Compound Nouns List<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It would be impossible to list all of the compound nouns that exist in this article. However, we can list some common and useful examples to help you expand your vocabulary! So, here are some examples of compound nouns organized by category:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Common Nouns<\/span><\/h3>\n

As you can imagine, common compound nouns are frequently used to refer to different people, places, and things. When referring to human beings, these terms often categorize a person or people by occupation, family member status, or more general groups. Here are a few examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Person<\/b><\/p>\n