Compound noun

Definition

A compound noun combines two or more words to name one person, place, thing or idea. Compounds may be written as one word, with a hyphen, or as separate words, and the final element is usually the head noun.

Examples

• We met outside the train station.

  Train specifies the type or purpose of the station.

• She bought a new toothbrush.

  The closed compound is written as one word.

• His sister-in-law lives nearby.

  This compound is conventionally written with hyphens.

Compound noun vs. adjective + noun

A compound forms a conventional unit of meaning. An ordinary adjective–noun phrase describes a noun without creating a new lexical item.

Plural marking usually belongs on the head noun

In many compounds, the final noun carries the plural ending, while an earlier noun remains singular. Some compounds have irregular plural patterns that must be learned as complete forms.

• The city has several bus stops.

  The head noun stops takes the plural ending.

• Both sisters-in-law attended the ceremony.

  The main noun sisters is pluralized inside this hyphenated compound.

Common mistakes