What is a compound word?
A compound word is a word made when two smaller words are joined together to create a new word with its own meaning. For example, tooth + brush = toothbrush.
Types of compound words
- Closed compounds: two words joined together with no space. Example: raincoat, sunflower.
- Open compounds: two words kept separate but understood as one idea. Example: hot dog, ice cream.
- Hyphenated compounds: two words joined with a hyphen. Example: well-being, mother-in-law.
How to make compound words
- Pick two words that go well together (like a describing word and an object).
- See if putting them together creates a new word with its own meaning.
- Decide if you should write it as one word, two words, or with a hyphen.
Examples
- Snow + man = snowman (closed)
- Blue + bird = bluebird (closed)
- Rain + bow = rainbow (closed)
- Well + known = well-known (hyphenated)
- Hot + dog = hot dog (open)
Tips for practicing
- Look for color + object words (red + apple = red apple).
- Try to create a list of 5 new compound words you know and circle which type they are.
- Draw a picture of a few compound words to help remember them.
Remember, compound words are like word teamwork—two words join to make one new idea!