What is a compound word?
A compound word is a word made up of two or more smaller words that combine to form a new word with a distinct meaning.
For example, “firefly” is a compound word made up of “fire” and “fly.”
Definition of Compound Words
A compound word is a word formed by combining two or more smaller words to create a new word with a distinct meaning. Compound words can be written in several ways, such as with a hyphen (e.g. “self-esteem”), as a single word (e.g. “firefly”), or as separate words (e.g. “post office”). The meaning of a compound word is often different from the meaning of its constituent parts.
Types of compound words
Compound words are words made up of two or more smaller words that work together as a single unit to create a new meaning. There are several types of compound words, including:
- Closed Compounds: These are compound words that are written as a single word, with no spaces or hyphens.
Examples include: “toothbrush”, “bookshelf”, “keyboard”. - Hyphenated Compounds: These are compound words that are written with a hyphen between the two words.
Examples include: “mother-in-law”, “brother-in-arms”, “merry-go-round”. - Open Compounds: These are compound words that are written as separate words, with no hyphen.
Examples include: “post office”, “real estate”, “court room”. - Phrasal Compounds: These are compound words that are made up of multiple words and are written as separate words.
Examples include: “take off”, “pass by”, “come out”.
Compound words can be nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs and they provide a way for us to express complex ideas with just a single word, making communication more efficient. Understanding the different types of compound words and how to use them correctly can greatly improve the clarity and conciseness of your writing.
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.
List of Commonly-Used Compound Words in English
| Blackboard | South-west |
| North-east | Indo-European |
| Afro-American | First aid |
| Bedroom | Bathroom |
| Washing machine | Vending machine |
| Living room | Swimming pool |
| Drawing room | Copyright |
| Typewriter | Managing director |
| Day-to-day | Blood pressure |
| Cold blooded | Eye opener |
| Microorganism | Cupboard |
| Footnote | Locksmith |
| Blacksmith | Goldsmith |
| Giveaway | In-depth |
| Breakup | Breakdown |
| Blowout | Housefull |
| Showdown | Long term |
| Sunflower | Dilly dally |
| Postman | Post office |
| Breakfast | Notebook |
| Superhero | Hot dog |
| Full moon | Merry-go-round |
| Grandfather | Mother-in-law |
| Father-in-law | Sister-in-law |
| Brother-in-law | Granddaughter |
| Grandson | Grandchild |
| Good-hearted | Last minute |
| Real estate | Mind-blowing |
| Far-fetched | Warmup |
| Firefly | Butterfly |
| Grasshopper | Blueberry |
| Strawberry | Half-baked |
| Raincoat | All-nighter |
| Know-it-all | Smartphone |
| Starfish | Runway |
| Toothbrush | Time table |
| Hopscotch | Uptown |
| Eyeball | Keyboard |
| Cupcake | Homework |
| Underground | Popcorn |
| Daydream | Nightmare |
| Midnight | Downstairs |
| Upstairs | Parking lot |
| Worksheet | Snow white |
| Keypoint | Handout |
| Raindrop | Hometown |
| Extracurricular | Network |
| French fries | Brainstorm |
| Teaspoon | Table spoon |
| Handbag | Earthworm |
| Greenhouse | Milkshake |
| Farewell | Showoff |
| Newsletter | Subway |
| Pathway | Deadend |
| Homemade | Handmade |
| Peanut | Jellybean |
| Afternoon | Namesake |
| Foolproof | Waterproof |
| Soundproof | Policeman |
| Scarecrow | Passport |
| Forearm | Eyebrow |
| Nose ring | Earring |
| Staircase |
