What are compound words?
Compound words are made when two smaller words are joined together to form a new word with a new meaning.
- sun + flower → sunflower
- rain + bow → rainbow
- tooth + brush → toothbrush
Think of a compound word as two puzzle pieces that fit together to make a bigger word.
Types of compound words
Compound words can be written in different ways: closed, open, or hyphenated.
- Closed: cupcake, football, homework
- Open: ice cream, post office, high school
- Hyphenated: mother-in-law, well-known, twenty-one
Most compound words in everyday use are closed or open, but hyphenated words are also common.
How do compound words change meaning?
When two words are joined to form a compound word, the meaning changes from the original single words.
- snow + man → snowman (a figure made of snow)
- basket + ball → basketball (a sport)
- dog + house → doghouse (a small house for a dog)
The meaning of a compound word is usually different from just adding the meanings of the two separate words.
Breaking apart compound words
You can often figure out the meaning of a compound word by breaking it into its two smaller words.
- Mailbox → mail + box = a box where mail is placed
- Bedroom → bed + room = a room where you sleep
- Goldfish → gold + fish = a small, golden-colored fish
Looking at each part of a compound word helps you understand its meaning quickly.
Using compound words in sentences
Compound words are used in everyday writing and speaking. Practice reading and writing them in complete sentences.
- “I put the letter in the mailbox.”
- “The rainbow appeared after the storm.”
- “We played basketball at recess.”
Try saying the compound word aloud. If it makes sense in the sentence, you are using it correctly.