Compound Noun: These nouns can also be separate words for people, animals, places, things, or ideas, made up of two or more words. Most compound nouns are made with nouns that have been modified by adjectives or other nouns. In many compound nouns, the first word describes or modifies the second word. The second word usually identifies the item. Compound nouns are sometimes one word, like toothpaste, haircut, or bedroom. These are often referred to as closed or solid compound nouns. Sometimes compound nouns are connected with a hyphen: dry-cleaning, daughter-in-law and well-being.

Examples

Compound nouns can be made with two nouns:

• Let’s just wait at this bus stop.
• I love watching fireflies on warm summer nights.
• While you’re at the store, please pick up some toothpaste, a six-pack of ginger ale and some egg sandwiches.

Compound nouns can be made with an adjective and a noun:

• Let’s watch the full moon come up over the mountain.
• Please erase the blackboard for me.