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Compound Noun Worksheets, Definition, and Examples

Welcome to our compound noun worksheets! Students typically start learning about compound nouns in the early elementary grades, around second or third grade. At this age, children have already learned about basic parts of speech, such as nouns and verbs, and are ready to start learning about compound nouns and other structures.

Compound nouns are created when two or more words are combined to create a single noun with a new meaning. Examples include “toothbrush,” “mother-in-law,” and “ice cream.”

Our printable compound noun worksheets below include a variety of formats to help your child or student. Just click on the worksheet link and download or print!

What are Compound Nouns?

What are compound nouns?

Compound nouns are made up of two or more words that function as a single noun. They can be formed in a variety of ways and are very common words used in everyday language and writing.

Here are a few examples of compound common nouns:

Compound nouns can be written in several ways, including:

Closed: as one word (toothbrush)
Open: as separate words (school bus)
Hyphenated: with a hyphen (sun-glasses)

The rule for using closed versus open compound nouns depends on the meaning and usage of the words. Here are some general guidelines:

Closed compounds: Words that are commonly used together and have a single meaning are often written as closed compounds, with no space between the words. For example: “toothbrush,” “bookshelf.”
Open compounds: Words that are still recognized as separate, but are combined to form a single meaning, are written as open compounds with a space between the words. For example: “post office,” “ice cream.”
Hyphenated compounds: Words that are combined to form a new word with a different meaning are written as hyphenated compounds, with a hyphen between the words. For example: “long-term,” “check-in.”

It’s important to note that the meaning of a compound noun can often be different from the meanings of the individual words that make it up.

Here are some sentences that include compound nouns:

A toothbrush is important for maintaining good oral hygiene.
We took our package to the post office.
She wore sunglasses to protect her eyes from the bright sun.
The software made it easier for the company to keep track of their finances.
She was the runner-up in the 50 yard dash.
He played video games with his friends.

To help parents reinforce the concept of compound nouns with their students at home, here are three activities they can try:

Word Matching: Write a list of compound nouns on one side of a paper and a list of individual words on the other side. Have the student match the words to form the compound nouns.
Sentence Creation: Give the student a list of compound nouns and have them use each one in a sentence. Encourage them to think about the meaning of the compound noun and how it relates to the sentence.
Compound Noun Sort: Cut out words from a magazine or newspaper and have the student sort them into individual words and compound nouns. Have them then use each compound noun in a sentence to reinforce its meaning.

These activities are simple and fun ways for parents to help their students understand and use compound nouns. By breaking down the concept and practicing with real-world examples, students can gain a solid understanding of this important aspect of the English language.

Compound Noun Examples

Examples of hyphenated compound nouns: