Every word has its own meaning. You can search for the definition of every term in the dictionary. But do you know that you can put two words together and have a brand new meaning? Of course, not all words can be put together for such a case. However, many ones are already accepted in the English language. These words are called compound words.
What Are Compound Words?
Compound words are formed when two or more words are combined to produce a new one. This newly-constructed word has its own meaning that can either be related to the base words or not.
Types of Compound Words
Open Compound Words
Open compound words remain separate when written but are used together to create a new idea. For example, “peanut” and “butter” are unrelated to each other. But when you combine them and use them as one word, you will have “peanut butter,” which is already a different noun with its own meaning.
Closed Compound Words
Closed compound words are formed by combining two fully independent words together without space in between. An example of a closed-form compound word is “grandfather,” in which “grand” and “father” are put together.
Hyphenated Compound Words
Another possible form of a compound word is the hyphenated one. From the word itself, the independent terms used are separated by a hyphen or dash. A common example is “mother-in-law.”
Compound Nouns
Compound nouns are simply compound words that act as nouns. Nouns are names of people, animals, places, things, or events. However, it does not mean that the two words comprising it should only be nouns. A compound noun can be formed by combining two nouns, an adjective and a noun, a verb and a noun, and many more.
Compound Verbs
A compound verb is also called a complex predicate. It is a multi-word compound that acts as a single verb. It can be constructed by putting together a verb and a preposition or a verb and an adverb (phrasal verbs). Auxiliary verbs that are followed by the main verb can also be considered compounds. Some other combinations that involve a verb and a non-verb word can also be considered compound verbs if they indicate action.
Compound Adjectives
Two or more words that function as one and describe a noun are called compound adjectives. Usually, they are separated by a hyphen.
List of Compound Words
Open Compound Words
- Ice cream
- Ice cream cake
- Ice cube
- Cream cheese
- Hot dog
- Corn dog
- Corned beef
- Apple pie
- Sugar plum
- Web page
- Table cloth
- Fire drill
- Fire drill
- Fire exit
- High school
- Roller coaster
- Living room
- First aid
- Full moon
- Tea cup
- Serving spoon
- Real estate
- Car pool
- Cotton bud
- Cotton ball
- Video game
- Coffee grain
- Coffee mug
- Post office
- Upper deck
- Hand towel
- Sweet tooth
- Common sense
- Dance hall
- Police officer
- Vice president
- Science fiction
- Root word
- Candy cane
- Christmas tree
- Cell membrane
- Jumping jack
- Report card
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Radio wave
- Snack house
- Coffee shop
- Bus stop
- Swimming pool
- Rubber band
- Ice hockey
- Ice skate
- Break up
- Take away
- Take out
- Break away
- Lift up
- Push down
- Pull down
- Ask out
- Ask around
- Make up
- Turn in
- Fill up
- Fill out
- Fill in
Closed Compound Words
- Basketball
- Football
- Baseball
- Worldwide
- Overpass
- Southeast
- Northeast
- Northwest
- Southwest
- Bushfire
- Mailbox
- Snowball
- Skateboard
- Sailboat
- Birthday
- Blackboard
- Everything
- Anything
- Anyone
- Everyone
- Classmate
- Schoolmate
- Playmate
- Grandmother
- Grandfather
- Granddaughter
- Grandson
- Grasshopper
- Sunflower
- Sunrise
- Sunshine
- Moonlight
- Freelance
- Eyeball
- Eyebrow
- Eyelash
- Armpit
- Playground
- Teamwork
- Stoplight
- Flashlight
- Lighthouse
- Fireman
- Rainbow
- Raindrop
- Bedroom
- Popcorn
- Keyboard
- Notepad
- Keyhole
- Keystone
- Pothole
- Bowtie
- Necktie
- Brainwash
- Proofread
- Babysit
- Horseshoe
- Highlight
- Notebook
- Bookstore
- Lipstick
- Makeup
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Airbrush
- Crosswalk
- Crossroad
- Crossover
- Nightfall
- Riverbank
- Nutcracker
- Candlelight
- Backstroke
- Hamburger
- Cheeseburger
- Sandwich
- Homesick
- Uptown
- Rattlesnake
- Workplace
- Wrongdoing
- Springtime
- Underdog
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Cupcake
Hyphenated Compound Words
- Mother-in-law
- Father-in-law
- Sister-in-law
- Brother-in-law
- Sergeant-at-arms
- Merry-go-round
- Happy-go-lucky
- Editor-in-chief
- Over-the-counter
- Up-to-date
- State-of-the-art
- Long-term
- High-speed
- Left-handed
- Right-handed
- In-depth
- Full-length
- Part-time
- Long-haired
- Sun-dried
- Breath-taking
- Self-centered
- Well-off
- Well-known
- Gift-wrap
- Follow-up
- Well-being
- Single-minded
- Knee-length
- Short-tempered
- Off-site
- Runner-up
- One-sided
- Tip-off
- Blush-on
- Sugar-free
- Ice-cold
- Far-flung
- High-rise
- Life-size
- King-size
- Warm-blooded
- Cold-blooded
- Get-together
- Next-door
A Huge List of Compound Words
Following is a list of 1000 close compound words in English
- Aboveboard
- Afterbirth
- Afterburner
- Afterglow
- Afterimage
- Afterlife
- Aftermath
- Afternoon
- Airbrush
- Aircraft
- Airfield
- Airlift
- Airline
- Airliner
- Airmail
- Airman
- Airmen
- Airplane
- Airport
- Airship
- Airtime
- Allover
- Allspice
- Alongside
- Also
- Another
- Anybody
- Anyhow
- Anymore
- Anyone
- Anyplace
- Anything
- Anytime
- Anyway
- Anywhere
- Armchair
- Armpit
- Around
- Arrowhead
- Ashtray
- Authorship
- Babysit
- Babysitter
- Backache
- Backbite
- Backbone
- Backbreaker
- Backdrop
- Backfield
- Backfire
- Background
- Backhand
- Backlash
- Backlog
- Backpack
- Backside
- Backslap
- Backslide
- Backspace
- Backspin
- Backstage
- Backstop
- Backstretch
- Backstroke
- Backtrack
- Backward
- Ballpark
- Ballroom
- Bankbook
- Bankroll
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Beachcomb
- Became
- Because
- Become
- Bedbug
- Bedclothes
- Bedrock
- Bedroll
- Bedroom
- Bellbottom
- Bellboy
- Bellhop
- Below
- Birthday
- Blackball
- Blackberries
- Blackbird
- Blackboard
- Blackjack
- Blacklist
- Blackmail
- Blackout
- Blacksmith
- Blacktop
- Bluebell
- Blueberry
- Bluebird
- Bluefish
- Bluegrass
- Blueprint
- Boardwalk
- Bodyguard
- Bodywork
- Boldface
- Bookbinder
- Bookcase
- Bookend
- Bookkeeper
- Booklet
- Bookmark
- Bookmobile
- Bookseller
- Bookshelf
- Bookstore
- Bookworm
- Bootstrap
- Bowtie
- Brainchild
- Brainstorm
- Brainwash
- Bugspray
- Bushfire
- Buttercup
- Butterfat
- Butterfingers
- Butterflies
- Buttermilk
- Butternut
- Butterscotch
- Bypass
- Cabdriver
- Cancan
- Candid
- Candlelight
- Candlestick
- Cannot
- Cardboard
- Cardsharp
- Cardstock
- Carefree
- Caretaker
- Careworn
- Carfare
- Cargo
- Carhop
- Carload
- Carpetbagger
- Carpool
- Carport
- Carrack
- Carryall
- Carsick
- Cartwheel
- Carwash
- Cattail
- Catwalk
- Caveman
- Centercut
- Cheeseburger
- Cheesecake
- Classmate
- Clockwise
- Coffeemaker
- Comeback
- Comedown
- Commonplace
- Commonwealth
- Cornball
- Cornmeal
- Cornstalk
- Cornwall
- Cottonmouth
- Cottontail
- Cottonwood
- Countdown
- Counterattack
- Counterbalance
- Counterclockwise
- Counterintelligence
- Countermeasure
- Counteroffensive
- Counterpane
- Counterpart
- Counterpoint
- Counterpoise
- Courthouse
- Courtroom
- Courtyard
- Crewcut
- Crossbow
- Crossbreed
- Crosscut
- Crossover
- Crossroad
- Crosstown
- Crosswalk
- Crossword
- Cupcake
- Dairymaid
- Daisywheel
- Daybed
- Daybook
- Daybreak
- Daydream
- Daylight
- Daytime
- Deadend
- Deadline
- Dishcloth
- Dishpan
- Dishwasher
- Dishwater
- Diskdrive
- Dogwood
- Doorstop
- Downbeat
- Downunder
- Drawbridge
- Driveway
- Duckbill
- Duckpin
- Earache
- Eardrop
- Eardrum
- Earring
- Earthbound
- Earthquake
- Earthward
- Earthworm
- Egghead
- Eggshell
- Elsewhere
- Everyone
- Everything
- Eyeball
- Eyeballs
- Eyebrow
- Eyecatching
- Eye-catching
- Eyeglasses
- Eyelash
- Eyelid
- Eyesight
- Eyewitness
- Fatherland
- Fatherless
- Firearm
- Fireball
- Fireboat
- Firebomb
- Firebox
- Firebreak
- Firecracker
- Firefighter
- Fireflies
- Firehouse
- Fireman
- Fireproof
- Firewater
- Fireworks
- Fishbowl
- Fisherman
- Fisheye
- Fishhook
- Fishlike
- Fishmonger
- Fishnet
- Fishpond
- Fishtail
- Flashlight
- Football
- Foothill
- Foothold
- Footlights
- Footlocker
- Footnote
- Footpath
- Footprints
- Footrest
- Forbearer
- Forbid
- Forearm
- Forebear
- Forecast
- Forecastle
- Foreclose
- Foreclosure
- Foredoom
- Forefather
- Forefinger
- Forefront
- Forehand
- Forehead
- Foreleg
- Foreman
- Foremost
- Forepaws
- Forerunner
- Foresee
- Foresight
- Forestall
- Forestland
- Forever
- Forget
- Forgive
- Forklift
- Format
- Fortnight
- Freelance
- Friendship
- Fruitcup
- Gearshift
- Glassmaking
- Goodbye
- Goodnight
- Grandaunt
- Grandchild
- Grandchildren
- Granddaughter
- Grandfather
- Grandmaster
- Grandmother
- Grandnephew
- Grandnieces
- Grandparent
- Grandson
- Grandstand
- Granduncle
- Grasshopper
- Graveyard
- Gumball
- Haircut
- Hamburger
- Hammerhead
- Hamstring
- Handball
- Handbook
- Handcuff
- Handgun
- Handmade
- Handout
- Headache
- Headdress
- Headhunter
- Headlight
- Headline
- Headquarters
- Hedgehop
- Heirloom
- Hellcat
- Hellhole
- Helpmate
- Helpmeet
- Hemstitch
- Henceforth
- Henchman
- Henpeck
- Hereabout
- Hereafter
- Hereby
- Herein
- Hereof
- Hereupon
- Herself
- Highball
- Highchair
- Highland
- Highlight
- Highway
- Himself
- Homemade
- Homesick
- Hometown
- Honeybee
- Honeycomb
- Honeydew
- Honeymoon
- Honeysuckle
- Hookup
- Hookworm
- Horseback
- Horsefly
- Horsehair
- Horseplay
- Horsepower
- Horseradish
- Horseshoe
- Houseboat
- Housecoat
- Household
- Housekeeper
- Housetop
- Housewife
- Housework
- However
- Ideal
- Inchworm
- Income
- Indoors
- Inflow
- Infold
- Infuse
- Infusion
- Inhale
- Inkblot
- Inkwell
- Inland
- Inmate
- Inpatient
- Inroad
- Inset
- Inside
- Intake
- Ironwork
- Itself
- Jackpot
- Jackson
- Jailbait
- Jailbird
- Jawbone
- Jawbreaker
- Jaywalk
- Jellybean
- Jellyfish
- Jerkwater
- Jerrybuild
- Jetliner
- Jetport
- Jigsaw
- Jimsonweed
- Jitterbug
- Jobholder
- Johnnycake
- Jumpshot
- Keepsake
- Keyboard
- Keyhole
- Keynote
- Keypad
- Keypunch
- Keystone
- Keystroke
- Keyway
- Keyword
- Landmark
- Landslide
- Landward
- Lapland
- Lapwing
- Larkspur
- Laughingstock
- Lawgiver
- Lawmaker
- Lawsuit
- Layman
- Layoff
- Layout
- Layover
- Leapfrog
- Lifeblood
- Lifeboat
- Lifeguard
- Lifelike
- Lifeline
- Lifelong
- Lifesaver
- Lifetime
- Lifework
- Lighthouse
- Limelight
- Limestone
- Lipstick
- Longhand
- Longhorn
- Longhouse
- Lukewarm
- Mailbox
- Mainland
- Mainline
- Mainspring
- Mainstream
- Makeup
- Matchbox
- Meadowland
- Meantime
- Meanwhile
- Moonbeam
- Moonlight
- Moonlit
- Moonscape
- Moonshine
- Moonstone
- Moonstruck
- Moonwalk
- Moreover
- Mothball
- Motherhood
- Motorcycle
- Nearby
- Necktie
- Nevermore
- Newborn
- Newfound
- Newsboy
- Newsbreak
- Newscast
- Newscaster
- Newsdealer
- Newsletter
- Newsman
- Newsmen
- Newspaper
- Newsperson
- Newsprint
- Newsreel
- Newsroom
- Newsstand
- Newsworthy
- Nightfall
- Nobody
- Noisemaker
- Northeast
- Northwest
- Notebook
- Notepad
- Noteworthy
- Nowhere
- Nursemaid
- Nutcracker
- Oneself
- Onetime
- Overabundance
- Overboard
- Overcoat
- Overflow
- Overland
- Overpass
- Overshoes
- Pacemaker
- Pancake
- Parkway
- Passbook
- Passkey
- Passover
- Passport
- Password
- Pasteboard
- Patchwork
- Pathfinder
- Pathway
- Pawnbroker
- Pawnshop
- Paycheck
- Payload
- Paymaster
- Payoff
- Payroll
- Peppermint
- Pickup
- Pineapple
- Pinhole
- Pinpoint
- Pinstripe
- Pinup
- Pinwheel
- Playback
- Playboy
- Playground
- Playhouse
- Playmate
- Playthings
- Ponytail
- Popcorn
- Postcard
- Pothole
- Proofread
- Racquetball
- Railroad
- Railway
- Rainbow
- Raincheck
- Raincoat
- Raindrop
- Rainfall
- Rainmaker
- Rainstorm
- Rainwater
- Ratline
- Ratsbane
- Rattlesnake
- Rattletrap
- Rawboned
- Rawhide
- Readywitted
- Rearmost
- Rearrange
- Rearward
- Redcap
- Redcoat
- Reddish
- Redhead
- Repairman
- Riverbank
- Riverbanks
- Rubberband
- Sailboat
- Salesclerk
- Sandbox
- Sandlot
- Sandstone
- Sandwich
- Saucepan
- Scapegoat
- Scarecrow
- Schoolbook
- Schoolboy
- Schoolbus
- Schoolhouse
- Schoolmate
- Schoolroom
- Schoolwork
- Seashore
- Setback
- Setoff
- Shadyside
- Sharecropper
- Sharpshooter
- Sheepskin
- Shipbottom
- Shipbuilder
- Shipload
- Shipwreck
- Shipyard
- Shoelace
- Shoemaker
- Shopkeeper
- Shortbread
- Shortcake
- Shotgun
- Showboat
- Showoff
- Showplace
- Showroom
- Sideburns
- Sidecar
- Sidekick
- Sideshow
- Sidewalk
- Silversmith
- Sisterhood
- Sixfold
- Skateboard
- Skintight
- Skylark
- Skylight
- Skyscraper
- Slapstick
- Slowdown
- Slumlord
- Snakeskin
- Snowball
- Snowbank
- Snowbird
- Snowdrift
- Snowshoe
- Snowshovel
- Snowstorm
- Soapstone
- Softball
- Software
- Somebody
- Someday
- Somehow
- Someone
- Someplace
- Something
- Sometime
- Sometimes
- Someway
- Somewhat
- Somewhere
- Soundproof
- Southeast
- Southwest
- Soybean
- Spacesuit
- Spacewalk
- Spearmint
- Speedboat
- Spillway
- Spokesperson
- Springtime
- Stagehand
- Standby
- Standoff
- Standout
- Standpipe
- Standpoint
- Standstill
- Starfish
- Steamboat
- Steamship
- Stepson
- Stickup
- Stockroom
- Stonewall
- Stoplight
- Stopwatch
- Storerooms
- Strawberry
- Streetcar
- Stronghold
- Subway
- Sunbaked
- Sunbathe
- Sunday
- Sundial
- Sundown
- Sunfish
- Sunflower
- Sunglasses
- Sunlit
- Sunray
- Sunrise
- Sunroof
- Sunshine
- Suntan
- Sunup
- Supercargo
- Supercharge
- Supercool
- Superego
- Superfine
- Supergiant
- Superhero
- Superhighways
- Superhuman
- Superimpose
- Superman
- Supermarket
- Supermen
- Supernatural
- Superpower
- Superscript
- Supersensitive
- Supersonic
- Superstar
- Superstrong
- Superstructure
- Supertanker
- Superweapon
- Superwoman
- Sweetheart
- Sweetmeat
- Tablecloth
- Tablespoon
- Tabletop
- Tableware
- Tadpole
- Tagalong
- Tailbone
- Tailcoat
- Tailgate
- Taillight
- Taillike
- Tailpiece
- Tailspin
- Takeoff
- Takeout
- Takeover
- Talebearer
- Taleteller
- Tapeworm
- Taproom
- Taproot
- Target
- Taskmaster
- Tattletale
- Taxicab
- Taxpayer
- Teacup
- Teammate
- Teamwork
- Teapot
- Teardrop
- Teaspoon
- Teenager
- Telltale
- Tenderfoot
- Tenderhearted
- Tenderloin
- Tenfold
- Textbook
- Themselves
- Therefore
- Throwaway
- Throwback
- Thunderbird
- Thunderbolt
- Thundershower
- Thunderstorm
- Timekeeper
- Timepieces
- Timesaving
- Timeshare
- Timetable
- Today
- Together
- Toolbox
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Toothpick
- Touchdown
- Township
- Turnabout
- Turnaround
- Turnbuckle
- Turncoat
- Turndown
- Turnkey
- Turnoff
- Turnover
- Turntable
- Typewriter
- Underachieve
- Underact
- Underage
- Underarm
- Underbelly
- Underbid
- Undercharge
- Underclothes
- Undercover
- Undercurrent
- Undercut
- Underdevelop
- Underdog
- Underesimate
- Underestimate
- Underexpose
- Underfeed
- Underfinance
- Underfoot
- Underfur
- Undergarment
- Undergird
- Undergo
- Undergraduate
- Underground
- Undergrowth
- Underhand
- Underhanded
- Underlayer
- Underlie
- Upbeat
- Upbringing
- Upcoming
- Update
- Updraft
- Upend
- Upgrade
- Upheaval
- Upheld
- Uphill
- Uphold
- Upkeep
- Upland
- Uplift
- Uplink
- Upload
- Upmarket
- Upon
- Uppercase
- Upperclassman
- Uppercut
- Uppermost
- Upright
- Uprising
- Upriver
- Uproar
- Uproot
- Upset
- Upshot
- Upside
- Upstage
- Upstairs
- Upstanding
- Upstart
- Upstate
- Upstream
- Upsurge
- Upswing
- Uptake
- Upthrust
- Uptight
- Uptime
- Uptown
- Upturn
- Upward
- Upwind
- Waistband
- Waistcoat
- Waistline
- Walkout
- Walkways
- Wallboard
- Walleyed
- Wallflower
- Wallpaper
- Wanderlust
- Wardroom
- Warehouse
- Warfare
- Warhead
- Warlike
- Warlord
- Warmblooded
- Warmhearted
- Warmonger
- Warpath
- Warplanes
- Warship
- Wartime
- Washboard
- Washbowl
- Washcloth
- Washout
- Washroom
- Washstand
- Washtub
- Wastebasket
- Wasteland
- Wastepaper
- Wastewater
- Watchband
- Watchcase
- Watchdog
- Watchmaker
- Watchman
- Watchtower
- Watchword
- Watercolor
- Watercooler
- Watercraft
- Waterfall
- Waterfowl
- Waterfront
- Waterline
- Waterlog
- Watermark
- Watermelon
- Waterpower
- Waterproof
- Waterscape
- Watershead
- Waterside
- Waterspout
- Watertight
- Waterway
- Waterwheel
- Waterworks
- Wavelength
- Wavelike
- Waxwork
- Waybill
- Wayfarer
- Waylaid
- Wayside
- Wayward
- Weathercock
- Weatherman
- Weatherproof
- Weekday
- Weekend
- Weeknight
- Whatever
- Whatsoever
- Wheelbarrow
- Wheelbase
- Wheelchair
- Wheelhouse
- Whitecap
- Whitefish
- Whitewall
- Whitewash
- Widespread
- Wipeout
- Without
- Woodshop
- Workplace
- Worldwide
- Wrongdoing
Compound Words | Images
The word compound means one thing that is composed of two or more elements. When you hear the word compound, you might think of a chemical compound, compound interest, or you might just use the word as a synonym for a mixture. Compounding is also a grammatical phenomenon, and there is a lengthy list of compound words in the English language.
Compound Words Definition
Simply put, compound means one thing made of many things. The definition for compound words means just that.
Compound words: two or more words joined to create a new meaning.
Compound words are not two random words thrust together. Compound words will be two words that are frequently found together, such as late-night, nice-looking, or seafood.
Compound words are usually two base words used together. Remember, base words are standalone words that signal a particular meaning, even when stripped of affixes (example: success in successful).
That’s not to say, however, that compound words can’t use derived words. Derived words are words that are built on a root, typically with the addition of an affix (example: teach + er = teacher). Many compound words include derived words (coffee maker, sewing machine, skyscraper).
The process of compounding is different from derivation and inflection — both of which typically involve adding an affix to change a word’s grammatical category. While derivation, inflection, and compounding are all a process for creating new words, compounding uses two base words, rather than a single base word and an affix (e.g., -ing, im—, or -ed).
Compounding in English Examples
Compounds help us understand words as a single unit, which in some cases helps to clarify the meaning of a word or phrase in English.
Let’s look for a vegan-friendly restaurant.
Fig. 1 — A «vegan-friendly» restaurant is different from a «vegan, friendly» restaurant.
Using a hyphen here shows the reader that the words vegan and friendly should be taken as a single unit. Otherwise, it might be read as, “Let’s look for a vegan friendly restaurant,” with vegan and friendly being two different adjectives to describe a restaurant.
When new things, ideas, or phrases come into the collective consciousness of the public, they need a name or something people can say to refer to them. Compounding words is one of the most (if not the most) common types of word formation in English because it is so easy to do.
These new words can be figurative like chairman (the head of a committee or group, not a chair-shaped man), or simply a combination of the meaning of each of the base words, like lighthouse (a house of light).
Just email me, and I’ll respond to it later.
The word email wasn’t used until the late twentieth century because email, or electronic mail, didn’t exist until then. There was a need to create a word to communicate this new idea of sending a message electronically, and e-mail —which became email, without the hyphen — was a simple option.
Types of Compound Words
There are three types of compound words: open, closed, and hyphenated.
Open Compounds
Open compound words are formed by combining an adjective with the noun it modifies to create a new noun. These compound words are usually the result of two words being so frequently used together that they eventually come to mean one specific thing.
Shopping cart
Potting soil
Real estate
Even though these words are separated with a space, they’re still considered a single unit. You can tell it’s an open compound word, rather than merely a noun modified by an adjective, because the two words are so regularly used together to mean something specific.
For example, real is not used as the modification of the word estate to express it’s real as opposed to a fake estate. Real estate is the business of buying and selling property and buildings on said property.
Closed Compounds
Closed compound words look the most like a “real word” because there is no space between the two roots.
Keyboard
Pothole
Tablecloth
Two words might form a closed compound because they are so frequently used together.
Fig. 2 — Email is a newer word that came from two base words: electronic and mail.
In the 1990s when someone wanted to connect to the internet, they might say they were going to go on-line (cue the sounds of dial-up internet and a male voice saying, “You’ve got mail”). Today in the twenty-first century, the internet is a part of our everyday experience, and so the word has lost its hyphen and is typically shortened to online.
Hyphenated Compounds
The final type of compound words are hyphenated compounds. These are words that — just like closed and open compounds — are frequently used together. The hyphen connects these words, so they function as one unit.
A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that shouldn’t be confused with a dash (–). A hyphen connects two words or word parts, whereas dashes indicate a pause or range. Dashes can be short (an “en dash” which is the length of the letter n) or long (an “em dash” which is the length of the letter m).
Long-term
Close-up
Empty-handed
Many hyphenated compounds become closed compounds if they’re used frequently enough.
Hyphenating Compound Words
You might wonder, “How do I know when to hyphenate a compound word?” There are many rules regarding hyphens in general, and here are the ones that are key in hyphenating compound words.
-
Only hyphenate when the compound comes before the noun it will modify. If it comes after, don’t include a hyphen.
The man-eating bear was only a few yards away. vs. The bear was definitely a man eater.
-
When a compound modifier contains an adverb ending in -ly and a participle or adjective, don’t use a hyphen.
A highly contested race.
Unfortunately, there is not always a consensus about whether to hyphenate compound words or create a closed compound word. If you’re ever in doubt about whether to hyphenate a compound word, consult a dictionary or the appropriate style guide for a definitive answer.
Compound Words List
Here is a longer compound words list for reference.
Open Compound Words
-
Sun room
-
Cheer up
-
Summer break
-
Garage sale
-
Dress up
-
Fire pit
-
Jumping jack
-
Science fiction
-
Vice President
-
Swimming pool
Closed Compound Words
-
Dishware
-
Bookstore
-
Seatbelt
-
Birthday
-
Carpool
-
Limelight
-
Comeback
-
Candlelit
-
Football
-
Lawsuit
Hyphenated Compound Words
-
House-of-mirrors
-
Self-contempt
-
Father-in-law
-
Well-read
-
Full-length
-
Free-fall
-
High-rise
-
Life-size
-
Deep-fried
-
Right-handed
Compounding — Key takeaways
- Compound words are two or more words joined to create a new meaning.
- Compound words are usually two base words used together.
- Compounds help us understand words as a single unit, which in some cases helps to clarify the meaning of a word or phrase.
- There are three types of compound words: open, closed, and hyphenated.
- There is not always a consensus about whether to hyphenate compound words or create a closed compound word.
What are Compound Words?
Compound words are made by joining two or more words; the combination creates a new word. They can be formed using two nouns, e.g. basketball, two non-nouns, e.g. blowup, or a noun and non-noun, e.g. sunrise. It is important to note that the words do not always keep their original meaning, e.g. breakfast. Our list of compound words contains 500 words.
There are three types of compound words:
- Closed compound words, e.g., football, peanut,
- Open compound words, e.g., cell phone, high school, and
- Hyphenated compound words, e.g., in-depth, runner-up.
List of Compound Words
To determine if a compound word is one word, two words or hyphenated, use a dictionary to look up the word or our lists below. The list below excludes both fractions and compound numbers from 21 to 91. These words are hyphenated, e.g., two-thirds, one-half, thirty-nine and ninety-one.
able-bodied | girlfriend | sandpaper |
A-frame | goldfish | scarecrow |
afternoon | grandchildren | scatterbrain |
afterthought | grandfather | school day |
airborne | grandmother | school year |
airline | grandparent | screwdriver |
airmail | grapefruit | seacoast |
airplane | grass roots | seafood |
airport | grasshopper | seagull |
airtight | gridlock | seaport |
anchorperson | groundwater | search engine |
another | grownup | seashell |
anybody | haircut | seaside |
anyone | hamburger | seaweed |
anyplace | handcuff | seesaw |
anything | handlebar | self-concept |
anytime | handshake | self-service |
anyway | hanky-panky | shipwreck |
anywhere | haystack | shoelace |
applesauce | headache | shortstop |
audiotape | headlight | showdown |
awestruck | headquarters | showoff |
backache | headset | showroom |
backboard | heart attack | shrink-wrap |
backbone | heartwarming | sidewalk |
backbreaking | heat lightening | silverware |
backfire | heath care | single-minded |
background | help desk | sister-in-law |
backlash | herringbone | skateboard |
backpack | herself | skyscraper |
backup | high school | sleeping bag |
backyard | high-tech | snowball — |
ballpark | highway | snowfall |
ballroom | hilltop | snowflake |
barefoot | himself | snowman |
baseball | hockey puck | snowplow |
basketball | ho-hum | snowshoe |
bathroom | home page | snowstorm |
bathtub | homemade | softball |
bedrock | homeowner | somebody |
bedroom | homesick | someday |
bedspread | homework | somehow |
beforehand | hot dog | someone |
benchmark | however | someplace |
birdhouse | hush-hush | something |
birthday | ice cream | Sometimes |
blackbird | in-depth | somewhat |
blackboard | indoor | somewhere |
blowup | infield | spacewalk |
blueberry | in-law | sports drink |
blueprint | inside | spotlight |
bookstore | into | spreadsheet |
bottled water | itself | springtime |
boyfriend | jellyfish | square root |
brainstorm | key pal | starfish |
breakdown | keyboard | statewide |
breakfast | kickoff | stepbrother |
breathtaking | know-how | stepfather |
briefcase | know-it-all | stepmother |
broadcast | knucklehead | stepsister |
brother-in-law | ladybug | storyteller |
buildup | landlord | straightforward |
bulldog | leapfrog | strawberry |
burnout | leftover | strong-arm |
butterfly | life span | sugarcoat |
buttermilk | lifeboat | suitcase |
byproduct | lifeguard | summertime |
campfire | life-size | sundown |
cannot | lifestyle | sunflower |
car pool | lightheaded | sunlight |
caregiver | lighthouse | sunrise |
carpool | lightweight | sunset |
carryover | lipstick | sunshine |
cash flow | longshoreman | sunstroke |
catcher’s mitt | loudspeaker | suntan |
cell phone | makeup | superhighway |
chalkboard | marketplace | sweatshirt |
chat room | maybe | sweetheart |
check-in | meantime | tablecloth |
checkout | meanwhile | teammate |
child care | memory stick | tennis court |
Christmas tree | merry-go-round | textbook |
churchgoer | miniskirt | Thanksgiving |
citywide | moonlight | theme park |
civil rights | mother-in-law | themselves |
classmate | motorcycle | thirty-nine |
clean-cut | myself | three-dimensional |
cleanup | nationwide | thunderstorm |
clipboard | network | time line |
close-up | nevertheless | time savor |
cockpit | new world | timetable |
colorblind | newscast | tip-off |
comic strip | newspaper | tiptoe |
common sense | nightgown | today |
cookbook | nitty-gritty | toenail |
co-op | nobody | together |
cooperative | notebook | toothbrush |
copperhead | not-for-profit | topsy-turvy |
copyright | nowhere | toss-up |
countryside | oatmeal | touchdown |
course work | off-site | trailblazer |
cowboy | one-sided | tree house |
crosswalk | ongoing | tryout |
crossword puzzle | online | tugboat |
cupcake | on-site | turnaround |
database | ourselves | turnpike |
daydream | outcome | turtleneck |
daylight | outfield | two-thirds |
daytime | outfit | undercover |
desktop | outlaw | underdog |
dirt bike | outline | underground |
disc drive | outside | understatement |
disc jockey | outsource | undertake |
doorbell | outstanding | uproot |
doorknob | oven mitt | upset |
downpour | overalls | upstairs |
downstairs | overcoat | uptown |
drawbridge | overexposure | u-turn |
driveway | overkill | vice president |
drugstore | overlook | videotape |
dugout | overpass | vineyard |
dump truck | pancake | voice mail |
earring | paper clip | waiting room |
earthquake | paperback | walking stick |
earthworm | paperwork | warm-up |
easygoing | payoff | wastebasket |
editor-in-chief | payroll | watercolor |
empty-handed | peanut | waterfall |
energy bar | peppermint | waterfront |
everybody | percent | watermelon |
everyday | photo ID | weatherperson |
everyone | pinball | web site |
everything | pinpoint | webpage |
everywhere | pitch hitter | weekday |
extracurricular | playground | weekend |
eyeball | playmate | well-being |
eyebrow | ponytail | well-to-do |
eyelid | popcorn | wheelchair |
fact sheet | post office | whenever |
father-in-law | postcard | whirlpool |
fine arts | pothole | whiteboard |
fingernail | prime minister | wholesale |
fingerprint | printout | windmill |
firefighter | proofread | windpipe |
fireplace | quarterback | windshield |
fireproof | quicksand | windsurfing |
firewood | railroad | wingspan |
fireworks | rainbow | wiretapping |
flashback | raincoat | without |
flashlight | rattlesnake | woodland |
flowchart | rawhide | woodpecker |
flowerpot | real estate | word processing |
folklore | redhead | word wall |
follow-up | redwood | word-of-mouth |
football | remote control | work boots |
forever | rock band | workday |
for-profit | role play | workforce |
free-for-all | rollerblade | workload |
freelance | rollout | workplace |
french fry | roly-poly | workshop |
freshwater | run-in | workstation |
front-runner | runner-up | worn-out |
frostbite | runway | wristwatch |
fund-raiser | safety glasses | wrongdoing |
gentleman | sagebrush | x-ray |
get-together | sailboat | yourself |
gingerbread | salad dressing |
Closed Words
These words have no spaces. Our list contains hundreds of words, so we organized them in alphabetical order. Click on a letter below to obtain a list of those compound words.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y | Z |
A | |||
---|---|---|---|
afternoon | afterthought | airborne | airline |
airmail | airplane | airport | airtight |
anchorperson | another | anybody | anyone |
anyplace | anything | anytime | awestruck |
anyway | anywhere | applesauce | audiotape |
B | |||
---|---|---|---|
backache | backboard | backbone | backbreaking |
backfire | background | backlash | backpack |
backup | backyard | ballpark | ballroom |
barefoot | baseball | basketball | bathroom |
bedrock | bedroom | bedspread | beforehand |
benchmark | birdhouse | birthday | blackbird |
blackboard | blowup | blueprint | bookstore |
boyfriend | brainstorm | breakdown | breakfast |
breathtaking | broadcast | buildup | bulldog |
burnout | buttermilk | byproduct |
C | |||
---|---|---|---|
campfire | cannot | caregiver | carpool |
carryover | chalkboard | checkout | churchgoer |
citywide | classmate | cleanup | clipboard |
cockpit | colorblind | cookbook | cooperative |
copperhead | copyright | countryside | cowboy |
crosswalk | cupcake |
D | |||
---|---|---|---|
database | daydream | daylight | daytime |
desktop | doorbell | doorknob | downpour |
downstairs | drawbridge | driveway | drugstore |
dugout |
E | |||
---|---|---|---|
earring | earthquake | earthworm | easygoing |
everybody | everywhere | everyone | everything |
everyday | extracurricular | eyeball | eyebrow |
eyelid | everywhere |
F | |||
---|---|---|---|
fingernail | fingerprint | firefighter | fireplace |
fireproof | firewood | fireworks | flashback |
flashlight | flowchart | flowerpot | folklore |
football | forever | freelance | freshwater |
frostbite |
G | |||
---|---|---|---|
gentlemen | gingerbread | girlfriend | goldfish |
grandchildren | grandfather | grandmother | grandparent |
grapefruit | grasshopper | gridlock | groundwater |
grownup |
H | |||
---|---|---|---|
haircut | hamburger | handcuff | handlebar |
handshake | haystack | headache | headlight |
headquarter | headset | heartwarming | herringbone |
herself | highway | hilltop | himself |
homemade | homeowner | homesick | homework |
however |
I | |||
---|---|---|---|
iceberg | icebox | icebreaker | inchworm |
indoor | infield | inside | into |
itself | innkeeper |
J | |||
---|---|---|---|
jackknife | jackpot | jackrabbit | jawbone |
jaywalk | jellyfish | jigsaw | jumpsuit |
K | |||
---|---|---|---|
keyboard | kickoff | knucklehead | keepsake |
kettledrum | kickball | keyhole | keynote |
killjoy | kindhearted | kneecap | knighthood |
knothole | knucklehead | keystone |
L | |||
---|---|---|---|
leapfrog | ladybug | landlord | leftover |
lifeboat | lifeguard | lifestyle | lightheaded |
lighthouse | lightweight | lipstick | longshoremen |
loudspeaker |
M | |||
---|---|---|---|
makeup | marketplace | maybe | meantime |
meanwhile | miniskirt | moonlight | motorcycle |
myself |
N | |||
---|---|---|---|
nationwide | network | nevertheless | newscast |
newspaper | nightgown | nobody | notebook |
nowhere |
O | |||
---|---|---|---|
oatmeal | ongoing | online | ourselves |
outcome | outfield | outfit | outlaw |
outline | outside | outsource | outstanding |
overalls | overcoat | overexposure | overkill |
overlook | overpass |
P | |||
---|---|---|---|
pancake | paperback | paperwork | payoff |
payroll | peanuts | peppermint | percent |
pinball | playground | playmate | ponytail |
popcorn | postcard | pothole | printout |
proofread |
Q | |||
---|---|---|---|
quarrelsome | quarterback | quartermaster | quicksand |
quicksilver |
R | |||
---|---|---|---|
railroad | rainbow | raincoat | rattlesnake |
rawhide | redhead | redwood | rollerblade |
rollout | runway |
S | |||
---|---|---|---|
sagebrush | sailboat | sandpaper | scarecrow |
scatterbrain | screwdriver | seacoast | seafood |
seagull | seaport | seashell | seaside |
seaweed | seesaw | shipwreck | shoelace |
shortstop | shutdown | showoff | showroom |
sidewalk | silverware | skateboard | skyscraper |
snowball | snowfall | snowflake | snowman |
snowplow | snowshoe | snowstorm | softball |
somebody | someday | somehow | someone |
someplace | something | sometimes | somewhat |
somewhere | spacewalk | spotlight | spreadsheet |
springtime | starfish | statewide | stepbrother |
stepfather | stepmother | stepsister | storyteller |
straightforward | strawberry | sugarcoat | suitcase |
summertime | sundown | sunflower | sunlight |
sunrise | sunset | sunshine | sunstroke |
suntan | superhighway | sweatshirt |
T | |||
---|---|---|---|
tablecloth | teammate | textbook | Thanksgiving |
themselves | thunderstorm | timetable | tiptoe |
today | toenail | together | toothbrush |
touchdown | trailblazer | tryout | tugboat |
turnaround | turnpike | turtleneck |
U | |||
---|---|---|---|
undercover | underdog | underground | understatement |
undertake | upstairs | uptown | uproot |
upset |
V | |||
---|---|---|---|
venturesome | videocassette | videotape | vineyard |
viewfinder | viewpoint | volleyball | vouchsafe |
W | |||
---|---|---|---|
wastebasket | watercolor | waterfall | waterfront |
watermelon | weatherperson | webpage | weekday |
weekend | wheelchair | whenever | whirlpool |
whiteboard | wholesale | windmill | windpipe |
windshield | windsurfing | wingspan | wiretapping |
without | woodland | woodpecker | workday |
workforce | workload | workplace | workshop |
workstation | wristwatch | wrongdoing |
Y | |||
---|---|---|---|
yardarm | yardstick | yearbook | yourself |
Z |
---|
zookeeper |
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Open Words
Open compound words have a space between the words. The following are open compound words:
bottled water | car pool | cash flow | cell membrane |
cell phone | chat room | child care | Christmas tree |
civil right | comic strip | common sense | course work |
crossword puzzle | dirt bike | disk drive | disc jockey |
dump truck | energy bar | fact sheet | fine art |
French fry | grass root | health care | heart attack |
heat lightning | help desk | high school | hockey puck |
home page | hot dog | ice cream | jigsaw puzzle |
jungle gym | junk food | jumping jack | key pal |
killer whale | Labor Day | labor union | laser printer |
land mine | lance corporal | landing field | landing strip |
light bulb | life jacket | life raft | life vest |
life belt | life buoy | Little Dipper | little finger |
life span | memory stick | new world | oven mitt |
paper clip | photo ID | pinch hitter | post office |
paddle wheel | passenger pigeon | past tense | past participle |
peace pipe | physical education | picture graph | planet kingdom |
prime minister | radiant energy | radio wave | real time |
report card | respiratory system | rib cage | right angle |
right triangle | ring finger | rock dove | rocking chair |
rocking horse | role model | roller coaster | Roman Catholic |
root beer | real estate | remote control | rock band |
role play | safety glasses | salad dressing | school day |
school year | search engine | sleeping bag | sports drink |
square root | tennis court | theme park | time line |
time capsule | tree house | vacuum cleaner | Valentine’s Day |
vampire bat | vanilla bean | vending machine | vice president |
video camera | videocassette recorder | video game | videotape recorder |
virtual reality | vocal chords | voice box | voice mail |
waiting room | walking stick | web site | word processing |
word wall | work boots |
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Hyphenated Words
The list below excludes spelled out fractions and compound numbers from 21 to 91. Please note you hyphenate all spelled out fractions, e.g., two-thirds, one-half, and compound numbers from 21 to 91, e.g., thirty-nine, ninety-one. The following are hyphenated compound words:
able-bodied | A-frame | brother-in-law | check-in |
clean-cut | close-up | co-op | editor-in-chief |
empty-handed | father-in-law | follow-up | for-profit |
free-for-all | front-runner | fund-raiser | get-together |
hanky-panky | high-tech | ho-hum | hush-hush |
in-depth | in-law | in-line skate | jack-o’-lantern |
jet-propelled | king-size | know-how | know-it-all |
life-size | merry-go-round | mother-in-law | nitty-gritty |
not-for-profit | off-site | one-sided | on-site |
pitch-black | pitch-dark | play-off | quick-tempered |
roly-poly | run-in | runner-up | self-concept |
self-service | shrink-wrap | single-minded | strong-arm |
three-dimensional | tip-off | topsy-turvy | toss-up |
two-dimensional | u-turn | warm-up | well-being |
well-to-do | word-of-mouth | warn-out | X-ray |
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Source: Fry, E.B., Ph.D. & Kress, J.E., Ed.D. (2006). The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists 5th Edition. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Merriam-Webster Children’s Dictionary, 3rd Edition 2008.
Reader Interactions
Contents
- 1 Compound words
- 1.1 (1) Open compounds
- 1.2 (2) Closed compounds
- 1.3 (3) Hyphenated compounds
- 2 Examples of Compound Words
Compound words are formed when two or more words are joined together to create a new word that has an entirely new meaning.
These words are formed by either adding a hyphen or just using the two words as a single term. Compound words can be written in three ways:
(1) Open compounds
An open compound word is created in cases when the modifying adjective is used with its noun to create a new noun. They are spelled as two words.
example: ice cream, living room, dinning table .
(2) Closed compounds
Closed compound words are usually made up of only two words. They are joined to form a single word. They are formed when two fully independent, unique words are combined to create a new word.
Example: doorknob, notebook, fireman, bookstore
(3) Hyphenated compounds
Words that use a hyphen in between two words.
Example: Long-term, second-rate, merry-go-round,
More than two words can form a compound (e.g., mother-in-law).
Examples of Compound Words
1st Word | 2nd Word | Compound Word |
Sun | glasses | Sunglasses |
book | case | bookcase |
stair | case | staircase |
Sun | Flower | Sunflower |
Sea | Shell | seashell |
high | chair | highchair |
bed | room | bedroom |
gold | fish | goldfish |
wrist | watch | wristwatch |
rain | bow | rainbow |
butter | fly | butterfly |
wind | shield | windshield |
fire | man | fireman |
star | fish | starfish |
ice | cream | ice-cream |
sauce | pan | saucepan |
coffee | maker | coffeemaker |
egg | shell | eggshell |
earth | worm | earthworm |
air | plane | Airplane |
water | melon | watermelon |
wheel | chair | wheelchair |
Tea | spoon | Teaspoon |
Work | sheets | worksheets |
super | star | superstar |
straw | berry | strawberry |
space | ship | spaceship |
solar | system | solar system |
skate | board | skate board |
rain | coat | raincoat |
news | paper | newspaper |
mid | night | midnight |
light | house | lighthouse |
hot | dog | hotdog |
hand | shake | handshake |
French | fries | French fries |
box | mailbox | |
in | side | inside |
basket | ball | basketball |
grand | father | grandfather |
grass | hopper | grasshopper |
moon | light | moonlight |
living | room | living room |
hot | dog | hot dog |
check | in | check-in |
father-in | law | father-in-law |
two | fold | two-fold |
one | half | one-half |
after | birth | afterbirth |
air | brush | airbrush |
back | ace | back ace |
milk | shake | milkshake |
note | book | notebook |
arrow | head | arrowhead |
pop | corn | popcorn |
camp | fire | campfire |
self | esteem | self-esteem |
after | noon | afternoon |
house | wife | housewife |
jelly | fish | jellyfish |
see | saw | seesaw |
home | work | homework |
door | knob | doorknob |
tree | house | treehouse |
scare | crow | scarecrow |
thunder | storm | thunderstorm |
him | self | himself |
no | where | nowhere |
eye | ball | eyeball |
hand | shake | handshake |
bird | house | birdhouse |
cross | word | crossword |
hose | pipe | hosepipe |
motor | bike | motorbike |
wind | mill | windmill |
ear | ring | earring |
cat | fish | catfish |
air | craft | aircraft |
water | fall | waterfall |
lip | stick | lipstick |
fish | bowl | fishbowl |
back | bone | backbone |
snow | flakes | snowflakes |
fire | place | fireplace |
black | berry | blackberry |
flower | pot | flowerpot |
cow | boy | cowboy |
finger | nails | fingernails |
honey | moon | honeymoon |
hair | cut | haircut |
ear | muffs | earmuffs |
sea | horse | seahorse |
suit | case | suitcase |
foot | ball | football |
loud | speaker | loudspeaker |
post | man | postman |
air | port | airport |
your | self | yourself |
flip | flop | flipflop |
grass | hopper | grasshopper |
bean | stalk | beanstalk |
house | fly | housefly |
rattle | snake | rattle snake |
friend | ship | friendship |
silk | worm | silkworm |
honey | moon | honeymoon |
luke | warm | lukewarm |
key | board | keyboard |
jelly | beans | jellybeans |
life | guard | lifeguard |
match | box | matchbox |
pass | port | passport |
jig | saw | jigsaw |
nail | cutter | nail -cutter |
open | minded | open-minded |
story | book | story book |
pony | tail | pony tail |
for | ever | forever |
sweet | heart | sweetheart |
mouth | wash | mouthwash |
arrow | head | arrowhead |
dough | nut | doughnut |
black | smith | blacksmith |
wave | length | wavelength |
up | stairs | upstairs |
water | fall | waterfall |
table | cloth | tablecloth |
volley | ball | volleyball |
sun | set | sunset |
pepper | mint | peppermint |
fire | cracker | firecracker |
back | pack | backpack |
wood | pecker | woodpecker |
post | card | postcard |
house | keeper | housekeeper |
butter | milk | buttermilk |
clock | wise | clockwise |
store | room | storeroom |
down | pour | downpour |
wipe | out | wipeout |
blue | blueprint | |
brief | case | briefcase |
dragon | fly | dragonfly |
hour | glass | hourglass |
bare | foot | barefoot |
whirl | pool | whirlpool |
knee | cap | kneecap |
step | mother | stepmother |
sky | scrapers | skyscrapers |
black | list | blacklist |
tooth | fairy | tooth fairy |
cave | man | caveman |
pin | hole | pinhole |
nut | cracker | nutcracker |
eye | sight | eyesight |
under | graduate | undergraduate |
car | pet | carpet |
ware | house | warehouse |
back | yard | backyard |
eye | lash | eyelash |
head | ace | headace |
body | guard | bodyguard |
white | wash | whitewash |
what | ever | whatever |
water | cooler | watercooler |
type | writer | typewriter |
town | ship | township |
super | market | superman |
stock | room | stockroom |
some | day | someday |
yog | hurt | yoghurt |
under | wear | underwear |
suit | case | suitcase |
paper | soap | papersoap |
mother | hood | motherhood |
pea | nut | peanut |
lime | stone | limestone |
land | mark | landmark |
grave | yard | graveyard |
for | get | forget |
every | time | everytime |
day | time | daytime |
counter | part | counterpart |
cross | breed | crossbreed |
There are various classes of words in the English Language ranging from nouns to prepositions. All these have been discussed in the post, Parts of Speech. However, some words are regarded as compound words. This post gives 1000 Compound Words Examples out of the several thousands of examples of compound words in English.
There is no end to how many compound words there are in English; but with these 1000 Compound Words Examples in English, though not exhaustive, you can research further on other compound words not captured here or, probably, generate your own.
Before I list the 1000 Compounds Word Examples in English, it would be great to describe compound words. The question then comes: what is a compound word? Let us proffer an answer to this important question…
What is a Compound Word?
Compound words in English are usually formed when we join two or more words together. In other, words, a compound word is the combination of two or more free morphemes to form a new word.
Compounding: A Word Formation Process
This takes us to the concept of Compounding, which is one of the word formation processes in English. Compounding takes place when two or more free morphemes that can stand severally on their own are brought together to create a new word. It could happen that the meaning of a compound word could be related to or different from the meaning or connotation it its constituent parts when considered severally.
Types of Compound Words
There are three types of compound words and these include: closed compound words, hyphenated compound words and open compound words. See more…
Closed Compound Words
In the closed compound words, the words involved are combined together. Closed compound words, most likely, are usually monosyllabic units already established in the language for a long time. Examples include: flowerpot, keyboard, notebook, bookstore, basketball, etc.
Hyphenated Compound Words
For the hyphenated compound words, a hyphen is used to join the words involved; for example: mother-in-law, merry-go-round, off-the-cuff, etc. The use of a hyphen in this instance helps to prevent ambiguity.
Open Compound Words
In the open compound words, there is a space between the compound words that are written together such as school bus, living room, carbon dioxide, snow white, blood red, etc.
What Determines Types of Compound Words
What determines if a compound word is classified as closed, hyphenated or open could depends on whether we use it as a noun, adjective or verb.
Verbs are usually open. For example:
- You must always back up the files on your computer.
- It is not good for students to carry over their courses
- Police usually follow up on a new lead.
Adjectives and nouns are usually closed or hyphenated. For instance:
- You can access backup copies of your files in case of any eventuality.
- The students had many carryovers in their courses.
- The police had already worked on the follow-up lead.
Adjective–adjective compounds, as well as, verb–verb compounds, such as blue-green and freeze-dried, are often hyphenated. Compounds that contain articles, prepositions or conjunctions, such as rent-a-cop, mother-of-pearl and salt-and-pepper, salt-and-sugar, hard-and-fast, etc. are also often hyphenated.
Longer words usually fall under the category of open compound words such as distance learning, player piano, lawn tennis, etc.
It is important to note that usage or forms of compound words in American English and British English Usage varies and is usually contingent on the individual choice of the writer rather than on a hard-and-fast rule; therefore, it is possible to encounter closed, hyphenated, and open forms for the same compound noun, such as the trio of:
- Container ship, container-ship or containership
- Particle board, particle-board or Particleboard.
Classifications of Compound Words
The constituent words in a compound word can be classified based on their Word Classes or Parts of Speech. We can call this type of classification a Syntactic Classification. The constituent words may be from similar Part of Speech or may be of different parts of speech. Let us see some examples:
Noun-Noun
This is an instance where both constituent words in the compound words are nouns. Examples include: airport, wallpaper, textbook, doorknob, waterbed, wastebasket, football, cufflinks, housewife, lawsuit, wallpaper, basketball, sodium chloride, classroom, workstation, tapeworm, crankshaft, etc.
Noun-Verb
The noun-verb compound word has a noun as the first constituent and a verb as the second constituent. For example: browbeat, sidestep, manhandle, safeguard, water borne, value-added, rocket-propelled, sunbathe, airlift, etc.
Noun-Adjective
The noun-adjective combination has a noun as the first constituent and an adjective as the second constituent. Examples include: snow white, world population, overcoat, trustworthy, blood red, handpicked, world famous, heartbroken, heart problem, prize worthy, lead strong, worldwide, lifelong, tax-free, sky blue, self-important, spoon-fed, praiseworthy, water-repellant, air-tight, bulletproof, etc.
Adjective-Noun
This is an instance where the first constituent word in the compound word is an adjective and the other one a noun. Examples include: blackboard, smartphone, whiteboard, badmouth, blue sky, red light, four wheel, full-time, long-term, etc.
Adjective-Verb
This instance is when the first constituent is an adjective while the second word in the compound word is a verb. Examples of this instance include: whitewash, blacklist, highlight, proofread, shortlist, etc.
Verb-Verb
In this instance, both constituents of the compound words are verbs. Examples include: typewrite, test-drive, freeze-dry, etc.
Verb-Noun
This is an instance where the first constituent word in the compound word is a verb and the other one a noun. Examples include: dreadnought, typewriter, breakfast, cutthroat, pickpocket, killjoy, spoilsport, know-nothing, breakwater, carrycot, etc.
Verb-Preposition
In this instance, we have a combination of a verb and a preposition forming the compound word respectively. Examples of this instance include: Roll off, roll on, stick on, walk on, stand by, walk through, see through, lay by, cut through, lookout, Work on, take down, take away, tear up, etc. Some of these examples also pass for Phrasal Verbs. You can take a look at the over 500 Phrasal Verbs discussed here.
Preposition-Noun
In this combination of compound words, we have a preposition coming first and followed by a noun. Examples of this combination include: overview, downsize, upgrade, underworld, oversight, undergraduate under-development, etc.
Preposition Noun (Phrase) Combinations
Examples of Preposition-Noun Phrase include: Off-the-record, over-the-counter, off-the-cuff, round-the-block, off-the-deep-end, off the hook, off the wall, off-your-head, off-your-own-bat, off-your-rocker, round-the-twist, round-the-corner, etc.
Preposition-Verb
This combination comprises a preposition and a verbs in the first and second constituents respectively. Examples include: overhang, counterattack, undercut, overpay, counterbalance, overrate, underlie, outrun, outvote, overreact, oversleep, overwork, undersell, undervalue, etc.
Other Combinations
There are other possible combinations like:
- Adjective-adjective (blue-green)
- Adverb-preposition (forthwith)
- Verb-adverb (tumbledown)
- Preposition-adjective (overripe, off-white)
- Verb-adverb (takeout)
- Preposition-adverb (without)
- Compound Adverbs (moreover, however, nonetheless, furthermore, meanwhile)
- Determiner-Noun Combinations or wh-forms (anyhow, somewhere, nowhere, sometimes, anytime)
You can attempt to fit the 1000 examples of compound words provided below into their appropriate combinations. I’m sure that should not be difficult for you to do.
It is also important to note that compound words in English, save for exceptions, are usually stressed on their first words.
1000 Compound Words Examples
It is really impossible to give an exhaustive list of all the compound words in English; especially, those that fall under the open class segment as there is no end to compound words that could be therein generated. But the list below contains 1000 Compound Words Examples in English. For emphasis, there are thousands of other examples. So, the list is not limited to what is provided below. Take a look…
1000 Compound Words Examples (A-D)
- Above-board
- Afterglow
- Afterimage
- Afterlife
- Afternoon
- Airbag
- Airbase
- Airborne
- Aircraft
- Airfield
- Airlift
- Airline
- Airmen
- Airplane
- Airport
- Airtight
- Airtime
- All-over
- Allspice
- Alongside
- Anybody
- Anyhow
- Anymore
- Anyone
- Anyplace
- Anytime
- Anyway
- Arm-twist
- Ashtray
- Baby bed
- Baby boom
- Baby boomers
- Baby carriage
- Baby-faced
- Babyhood
- Babyminder
- Babysit
- Babysitter
- Backache
- Backbeat
- Backbench
- Backbenchers
- Backbend
- Backbite
- Backblast
- Backbone
- Backbreaker
- Backdrop
- Backfire
- Background
- Backhand
- Backlash
- Backlog
- Backpack
- Backside
- Backslap
- Backslide
- Backspace
- Backspin
- Backstage
- Backstroke
- Backtrack
- Backward
- Ballpark
- Ballroom
- Bandwagon
- Bankbook
- Bankroll
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Beachcomb
- Bedclothes
- Bed lamp
- Bedrock
- Bedroll
- Bedroom
- bedspread
- Bellbottom
- Bellboy
- Bellhop
- Below
- Berrylike
- Billboard
- Billhook
- Bitterroot
- Bittersweet
- Bitterweed
- Bitterwood
- Blackball
- Blackberries
- Blackbird
- Blackboard
- Blackjack
- Blacklist
- Blackmail
- Blackout
- Blackpool
- Blacksmith
- Blacktop
- Blowgun
- Bluebell
- Blueberry
- Bluebird
- Bluefish
- Bluegrass
- Blueprint
- Boardwalk
- Body bag
- Body-boarding
- Body blow
- Bodybuilder
- Body hair
- Bodywork
- Bodyguard
- Bodywork
- Boldface
- Bookcase
- Bookend
- Bookkeeper
- Bookmark
- Bookmobile
- Bookseller
- Bookshelf
- Bookstore
- Bookworm
- Bootstrap
- Bowlegs
- Bowtie
- Brainchild
- Brainwash
- Brotherhood
- Brow beat
- Bugspray
- Butterball
- Buttercup
- Butterfingers
- Butterflies
- Buttermilk
- Butternut
- Butterscotch
- Bypass
- Cabdriver
- Candlelight
- Candlestick
- Candyfloss
- Candytuft
- Cardboard
- Cardsharp
- Cardstock
- Carefree
- Caretaker
- Careworn
- Carfare
- Cargo
- Carhop
- Carload
- Carpetbagger
- Carpool
- Carport
- Carrack
- Carryall
- Carsick
- Cartwheel
- Catchword
- Cattail
- Catwalk
- Caveman
- Centercut
- Cheeseburger
- Cheesecake
- Classmates
- Classroom
- Clockwise
- cocksure
- Coffeemaker
- Comeback
- Comedown
- Commonplace
- Commonwealth
- Cornmeal
- Counterattack
- Counterproductive
- Courthouse
- Courtyard
- Crewcut
- Crossbow
- Crossbreed
- Crosscut
- Crossover
- Crosswalk
- Dairymaid
- Daisywheel
- Daybed
- Daybook
- Daybreak
- Daydream
- Daylight
- Daytime
- Deadbeat
- Dead body
- Deadbolt
- Dead drop
- Dead-end
- Deadeye
- Deadfall
- Dead heat
- Dead letter
- Deadlight
- Deadline
- Dead load
- Deadlock
- Deadlocked
- Dead mail
- Dead march
- Dead metaphor
- Dickhead
- Dick test
- Dishcloth
- Dishpan
- Dishwasher
- Dishwater
- Diskdrive
- Dog-tired
- Dogwood
- Doorstop
- Double agent
- Double-barrelled
- Double-bedded
- Double bond
- Doublecross
1000 Compound Words Examples (D-N)
- Double-date
- Double-decker
- Downbeat
- Downcast
- Downcourt
- Downtime
- Downtown
- Downtrodden
- Downunder
- Drawbridge
- Driveway
- Duckbill
- Duckpin
- Duckweed
- Earache
- Eardrop
- Eardrum
- Earring
- Earthbound
- Earthquake
- Earthward
- Earthworm
- Egghead
- Eggshell
- Elsewhere
- Everything
- Extraordinary
- Eyeballs
- Eyebath
- Eyebeam
- Eye-catching
- Eyeglasses
- Eyelash
- Eyelid
- Eyesight
- Eyewitness
- Fatherhood
- Fatherland
- Firearm
- Fireball
- Fireboat
- Firebomb
- Firebreak
- Firecracker
- Firefighter
- Fireflies
- Firehouse
- Fireproof
- Firewater
- Fishbowl
- Fisherman
- Fisheye
- Fishhook
- Fishlike
- Fishmonger
- Fishnet
- Fishpond
- Fishtail
- Football
- Foothill
- Footlights
- Footlocker
- Footnote
- Footprint
- Footprints
- Footrest
- Footwear
- Forbearer
- Forbid
- Forebode
- Forearm
- Forebear
- Forebrain
- Forecast
- Forecastle
- Foreclose
- Foreclosure
- Foredoom
- Forefather
- Forefeet
- Forefinger
- Forefoot
- Forego
- Foregone
- Foreground
- Forehand
- Forehead
- Foreknowledge
- Foreleg
- Foreman
- Foremost
- Forepaws
- Foresee
- Foreshadow
- Foresight
- Forestall
- Forethought
- Foretell
- Foretold
- Forever
- Forewarn
- Foreword
- Forget
- Forgive
- Forklift
- Format
- Fortnight
- Friendship
- Fruitcup
- Gearshift
- Glassmaking
- Goodbye
- Goodnight
- Grandaunt
- Grandchild
- Grandchildren
- Granddaughter
- Grandfather
- Grandmaster
- Grandmother
- Grandnephew
- Grandnieces
- Grandparent
- Grandson
- Grandstand
- Granduncle
- Grasshopper
- Grassland
- Graveyard
- Gumball
- Haircut
- Hamburger
- Hammerhead
- Handbook
- Handcuff
- Handgun
- Handmade
- Handout
- Headache
- Headdress
- Headlight
- Headline
- Headquarters
- Heaven-sent
- Heavenward
- Helpdesk
- Helpline
- Helpmate
- Hereafter
- Hereby
- Herein
- Hereupon
- Herself
- Highball
- Highchair
- Highland
- Highway
- Himself
- Homemade
- Hometown
- Honeybee
- Honeybees
- Honeycomb
- Honeycreeper
- Honeydew
- Honeymoon
- Honeypot
- Honeysuckle
- Hookup
- Hookworm
- Horseback
- Horsefly
- Horsehair
- Horseman
- Horseplay
- Horsepower
- Horseradish
- hotbed
- hothead
- Houseboat
- Household
- Housekeeper
- Housetop
- Housework
- However
- Intake
- Interstate
- Ironwork
- Itself
- Jackpot
- Jailbait
- Jellybean
- Jellyfish
- Jetliner
- Jetport
- Jumpshot
- Jumpstart
- Keyboard
- Keyhole
- Keynote
- Keypad
- Keypunch
- Keystone
- Keystroke
- Keyway
- Keyword
- Lacklustre
- Lifeblood
- Lifeboat
- Lifebuoy
- Lifeguard
- Lifejacket
- Lifelike
- Lifeline
- Lifelong
- Lifesaver
- Lifestyle
- Lily-livered
- Lifetime
- Lifework
- Limelight
- Limestone
- Longhand
- Longhouse
- Lukewarm
- Mainland
- Mainline
- Matchbox
- Meantime
- Meanwhile
- Moneybag
- Moneylender
- Moonbeam
- Moonflower
- Moonlight
- Moonlit
- Moonscape
- Moonshine
- Moonstruck
- Moonwalk
- Moorfields
- Moorfowl
- Moorland
- Mopboard
- Moreover
- Mothball
- Motherhood
- Motorcycle
- Nearby
1000 Compound Words Examples (N-S)
- Nevermore
- Newborn
- Newfound
- Newsboy
- Newsbreak
- Newscaster
- Newsdealer
- Newsletter
- Newsman
- Newspaper
- Newsperson
- Newsprint
- Newsreel
- Newsroom
- Newsstand
- Newsworthy
- Nightfall
- Noisemaker
- Northeast
- Notebook
- Noteworthy
- Nowhere
- Nursemaid
- Nutcracker
- Offbeat
- Off-record
- Oilbird
- Oilcan
- Oilcloth
- Oilfield
- Oilman
- Oil-rich
- Oneself
- Onetime
- Outbalance
- Outbid
- Outboard
- Outdoor
- Outflank
- Outflow
- Outlive
- Outnumber
- Overabundance
- Overboard
- Overcoat
- Overflow
- Overland
- Overshoes
- Overview
- Pacemaker
- Pancake
- Passbook
- Passkey
- Passover
- Paycheck
- Peppermint
- Pickup
- Pinhole
- Pinstripe
- Pinup
- Pinwheel
- Pipe-borne
- Play-actor
- Playback
- Playbill
- Playbook
- Playboy
- Play day
- Play dough
- Playground
- Playhouse
- Playthings
- Ponytail
- Popcorn
- Postcard
- Poverty grass
- Poverty level
- Poverty line
- Poverty trap
- Poverty-stricken
- Priesthood
- Punchbag
- Punchboard
- Punchbowl
- Racquetball
- Railroad
- Railway
- Rainbow
- Raincheck
- Raincoat
- Raindrop
- Rainstorm
- Rainwater
- Rattlesnake
- Rattletrap
- Repairman
- Riverbanks
- Rollerblade
- Rollercoaster
- Roller-skating
- Rubberband
- Sailboat
- Salesclerk
- Sand dune
- Sandlot
- Sandstone
- Saucepan
- Scapegoat
- Scarecrow
- Schoolbook
- Schoolboy
- Schoolbus
- Schoolhouse
- Schoolwork
- Seaport
- Seashore
- Setback
- Shadyside
- Sharecropper
- Sharpshooter
- Sheepskin
- Shipbottom
- Shoelace
- Shoemaker
- Shortbread
- Showoff
- Showplace
- Sideburns
- Sidekick
- Sideline
- Sideshow
- Sidestep
- Sidetrack
- Sidewalk
- Silver age
- Silver ash
- Silver beech
- Silver bell
- Silver berry
- Silver-blue
- Silver-bodied
- Silver bromide
- Silver-bush
- Silver cord
- Silver dollar
- Silver fern
- Silver fir
- Silverfish
- Silver grass
- Silver-gray
- Silver-green
- Silver-haired
- Silversmith
- Sisterhood
- Sixfold
- Skateboard
- Skintight
- Skylark
- Skylight
- Skyscraper
- Slapstick
- Slowdown
- Slumlord
- Smartphone
- Snakeskin
- Snowball
- Snowbank
- Snowbird
- Snowboard
- Snowdrift
- Snowfall
- Snowflakes
- Snowshovel
- Softball
- Software
- Somebody
- Someday
- Somehow
- Someone
- Someplace
- Something
- Sometimes
- Somewhat
- Somewhere
- Soulmate
- Soundproof
- Southeast
- Southwest
- Soybean
- Spacewalk
- Spearmint
- Spillway
- Spokesperson
- Stagehand
- Stage-manage
- Standby
- Standoff
- Standout
- Standpipe
- Standpoint
- Starfish
- Steamboat
- Steamship
- Stepson
- Stockroom
- Stonewall
- Stoplight
- Stopwatch
- Storerooms
- Stronghold
- Subway
- Sunbaked
- Sunbathe
- Sunbeams
- Sunbelt
- Sunberry
- Sunblock
- Sunburn
- Sunday
- Sundial
- Sundown
- Sunfish
- Sunflower
- Sunglasses
- Sunlit
- Sunrays
- Sunroof
- Sunup
- Supercargo
- Supercharge
1000 Compound Words Examples (S-W)
- Supercool
- Superego
- Superfine
- Supergiant
- Superhero
- Superhighways
- Superhuman
- Superimpose
- Superman
- Supermarket
- Supermen
- Supernatural
- Superpower
- Superscript
- Supersensitive
- Supersonic
- Superstar
- Superstrong
- Superstructure
- Supertanker
- Superweapon
- Superwoman
- Sweetheart
- Sweetmeat
- Swift-footed
- Swordfish
- Tablecloth
- Tablespoon
- Tabletop
- Tableware
- Tadpole
- Tagalong
- Tailbone
- Tailcoat
- Tailgate
- Taillight
- Taillike
- Tailpiece
- Tailspin
- Takeoff
- Takeout
- Takeover
- Talebearer
- Taleteller
- Tapeworm
- Taproom
- Taproot
- Taskmaster
- Taxicab
- Taxpayer
- Teacup
- Teammate
- Teamwork
- Teapot
- Teaspoon
- Teenager
- Telltale
- Tenderfoot
- Tenfold
- Textbook
- Themselves
- Therefore
- Throwaway
- Throwback
- Thunderbird
- Thunderbolt
- Thunderclap
- Thundercloud
- Thunderflash
- Thunderhead
- Thundershower
- Thunderstorm
- Thunderstruck
- Timekeeper
- Timepieces
- Timesaver
- Timesaving
- Timeshare
- Timetable
- Tonguefish
- Tongue-lash
- Toolbox
- Toothpaste
- Toothpick
- Touchdown
- Township
- Turnabout
- Turnaround
- Turnbuckle
- Turncoat
- Turndown
- Turnkey
- Turnoff
- Turntable
- Typewrite
- Typewriter
- Underachieve
- Underact
- Underage
- Underarm
- Underbelly
- Underbid
- Undercharge
- Underclothes
- Undercover
- Undercurrent
- Undercut
- Underdevelop
- Underdog
- Underestimate
- Underexpose
- Underfoot
- Underground
- Upbeat
- Upbringing
- Upcoming
- Upcourt
- Update
- Upend
- Upgrade
- Upheaval
- Upheld
- Uphill
- Uphold
- Upkeep
- Upland
- Uplift
- Uplink
- Upload
- Upmarket
- Uppercase
- Upperclassman
- Uppercut
- Uppermost
- Upright
- Uprising
- Uproar
- Uproot
- Upscale
- Upset
- Upshot
- Upside
- Upstage
- Upstairs
- Upstanding
- Upstart
- Upstate
- Upstream
- Upstroke
- Uptake
- Upthrust
- Uptight
- Uptime
- Uptown
- Upturn
- Upward
- Upwind
- Vainglory
- Viewpoint
- Vineyard
- Violin cello
- Volleyball
- Voltmeter
- Vouchsafe
- Waistline
- Walkways
- Walleyed
- Wallpaper
- Wardroom
- Warehouse
- War advocacy
- War baby
- War bride
- War chest
- War cloud
- War correspondent
- War crime
- War criminal
- War cry
- Warfare
- Warlike
- Warmonger
- Warmblooded
- Warpath
- Washboard
- Washbowl
- Washcloth
- Washhouse
- Washout
- Washrag
- Washroom
- Washstand
- Washtub
- Wastebag
- Wastebasket
- Wastebin
- Wasteland
- Wastepaper
- Wastewater
- Watchband
- Watchdog
- Watchmaker
- Watchman
- Watchtower
- Watchword
- Waterbed
- Water beetle
- Water birch
- Waterbird
- Water biscuit
- Waterboarding
- Water boatman
- Waterborne
- Waterbottle
- Water boy
- Water buck
- Water buffalo
- Water bug
- Watercolour
- Watercooler
- Watercourse
- Watercraft
- Waterfall
- Waterfowl
- Waterfront
- Waterline
- Waterlog
1000 Compound Words Examples (W-Z)
- Watermark
- Watermelon
- Waterpower
- Waterproof
- Waterscape
- Watershed
- Waterside
- Waterspout
- Watertight
- Waterway
- Waterwheel
- Waterworks
- Wavelength
- Wavelike
- Waxwork
- Waybill
- Wayfarer
- Waylaid
- Wayside
- Wayward
- Weathercock
- Weatherman
- Weatherproof
- Weekday
- Weekend
- Weeknight
- Wetland
- Whatever
- Whatsoever
- Wheelbarrow
- Wheelbase
- Wheelchair
- Wheelhouse
- Wheelhouse
- Whereabouts
- Whipcord
- Whip hand
- Whiplash
- Whiplike
- Whipsaw
- Whip snake
- Whipstitch
- Whipstock
- Whiptail
- Whip through
- Whip top
- Whiteboard
- Whitecap
- Whitefish
- Whitehall
- Whitehead
- Whitewall
- Whitewash
- Widespread
- Wipeout
- Wisplike
- Without
- Wood ant
- Woodblock
- Woodborer
- Wood-burning
- Woodcarver
- Woodcarving
- Woodchip
- Wood coal
- Woodcock
- Woodcraft
- Wood-creeper
- Woodcutter
- Wood duck
- Woodshop
- Yachtsman
- Yachtsman
- Yachtsmen
- Yachtsmen
- Yard bird
- Yard birds
- Yard land
- Yard lands
- Yard wand
- Yard wands
- Yard work
- Yard works
- Yardarms
- Yardman
- Yardmaster
- Yardmasters
- Yardstick
- Yardsticks
- Yearbook
- Yearbooks
- Yearlong
- Yellow fin
- Yellow fins
- Yellow ware
- Yellow wares
- Yellowhammer
- Yellowhammers
- Yellowlegs
- Yellowtail
- Yellowtails
- Yellowthroat
- Yellowthroats
- Yellowwood
- Yellowwoods
- Yokefellow
- Yokefellows
- Yokemate
- Yokemates
- Youngberries
- Youngberry
- Youth quake
- Zoo technical
- Zoogeographer
- Zoogeographers
- Zoogeographies
- Zoogeography
- Zookeeper
- Zoosperms
- Zootechnics
Closing Words and Related Posts
It is possible that some of these 1000 Compound Words Examples could be written differently in other instances where they appear; but remember that this also depends on the choice of the writer to select any of the three types of compound words that we have. However, there are some of these compound words that have to be written based on acceptable convention. You can check out other related posts as listed below:
9 Types of Nouns with Examples
10 Examples of Complex Sentences
100 Examples of Synonym Words
100 Examples of Compound Sentences in English
25 Examples of Complex Sentences
50 Examples of Simple Sentences