Compound Nouns Definition & Examples:
A few compound nouns are usually written together word (e. g. a tablecloth), some as separate words (e. g. waste paper), etc. with a hyphen (e. g. a word – processor). Some compound nouns are often written in additional than one of these ways (e. g. a golf link or a golf – course). an honest dictionary will tell you the ways a specific compound noun is typically written.
If the first noun has a plural meaning, it usually has a singular form:
Example: an address book ( = a book for addresses; not an address book)
Example: a car park ( = a place for parking cars; not a cars book)
However, there are a number of exceptions. These include nouns that are only used in the plural, or have a different meaning in singular/ plural or countable/ uncountable:
For instance: a clothes shop ( compare to a shoe shop)
Example: a communications network
Example: a glasses case ( = for spectacles)
It consists of two or more word combinations. Most compound nouns in English are formed by nouns modified by other nouns or adjectives.
Noun+Noun | Police | Man | Policeman |
Noun+Noun | Dining | Table | Dining Table |
Verb+Noun | Washing | Machine | Washing machine |
Adjective+ Noun | Soft | ware | software |
compound nouns often have a meaning that is different from the two words.
Many common compound nouns are created from phrasal verbs (verb + Adverb + or Adverb + verb)
Example: Breakdown, Outbreak, Cutback, Drive-in, Drop out, feedback, Flyover, Set-back,
Compound noun examples:
- Typhoid is an Outbreak in the city.
- The teacher gave very positive feedback about John’s studies.
- Flyovers help to reduce traffic problems in the metropolitan city
- A big electric breakdown is expected today.
- I always love Cowboy in my childhood.
- He looked down to see his notebook on his desk,
- Jimmy was the shy man ever in my classmate.
- She passed the tree where the horse’s tack was propped and grabbed Hawk’s bridle, the silver work glinting in the moonlight.
- James’ home is three kilometers away from the Railway station.
- According to the doctor’s prescription, you have taken one Teaspoon of syrup.