One of the most fundamental things that you have to keep in mind when you are learning English is to understand compound words. Without these, whatever you speak might not make sense.
So, if you are someone seeking to understand compound words, this blog is the right place for you. They are everywhere. Whether it is in daily conversations, books, signs, or even in text messages, English isn’t full without these.
In this guide on 20 Compound Words in English with Meaning Examples, you will learn what they are, how they work, and see some real-life examples. Before we start with the list, let’s answer a very common question: what is a compound word?
What Are Compound Words?
In the simplest way, a compound word is a word that is made when two smaller words join together to form a new word with a new or different meaning.
- For example, sun + flower = sunflower. The sun is the centre of our solar system, and a flower is a part of a plant. They are different things and has different meanings, but when you combine them, you get a new product. And this new product has a new meaning.
Compound words are for everyone, whether you are new to this topic or if you are here to relearn. There is a need to remember that there are three main types of compound words:
- Closed compound words – these are the ones written as one word (e.g., toothbrush).
- Hyphenated compound words – when you see words which are joined with a hyphen (e.g., mother-in-law), remember that these are hyphenated compound words.
- Open compound words – In order to recognize these words, you have to remember that these are written as two separate words but still act as one (e.g., ice cream).
In this article, “20 Compound Words in English with Meaning Examples,” will give you simple examples so you can use them in daily life.
Why Do You Have to Learn Compound Words?
If you often ask yourself why you have to learn compound words, you are currently on the right page. As you might have noticed that knowing English fluently not only gives you an advantage to level yourself up, but it also gives you confidence and makes you stand out from the crowd.
Therefore, if you are serious about improving your English, you have to understand compound words and word combinations. It is not an option but an essential. Not only will these help you read better, but they will also help you speak and write more naturally. So, it is important because without them, your sentences can sound flat or unnatural.
Additionally, learning the compound words will help you all the way through. If you are reading, it will help you recognize words faster. Plus, many idioms and phrases in English are based on compound words.
Discover 20 common compound words in English with meanings and examples to strengthen your vocabulary skills.
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20 Compound Words in English with Meaning Examples
Here is the main list you have been waiting for. In this section, we will see compound words examples in English, their meanings, and how you can use them in a sentence.
- Rainfall
- Meaning: The amount of rain that falls.
- Example: The rainfall this year is more than last year.
- Bookstore
- Meaning: A shop where books are sold.
- Example: If you are free this weekend, let’s visit the bookstore.
- Teapot
- Meaning: A pot used to make or serve tea.
- Example: The teapot on the table looks very old.
- Doghouse
- Meaning: A small shelter for a dog.
- Example: Our dog sleeps in a wooden doghouse.
- Starfish
- Meaning: A sea animal shaped like a star.
- Example: We saw a starfish at the beach.
- Schoolbag
- Meaning: A bag used by students to carry books.
- Example: Don’t forget your schoolbag when you leave.
- Windmill
- Meaning: A machine that uses wind to make energy or grind grain.
- Example: The old windmill is still working.
- Notebook
- Meaning: A book of blank pages for writing.
- Example: You have to bring your notebook to class.
- Buttercup
- Meaning: A small yellow flower.
- Example: The field was full of buttercups.
- Birdcage
- Meaning: A cage for keeping birds.
- Example: The parrot is inside the birdcage.
- Handprint
- Meaning: The mark left by a hand.
- Example: There’s a handprint on the window.
- Seashell
- Meaning: The shell of a sea animal found on the beach.
- Example: We collected seashells during our holiday.
- Doorbell
- Meaning: A bell at the door that you press to announce you’re there.
- Example: Someone rang the doorbell twice.
- Pancake
- Meaning: A flat cake made from batter and cooked on a pan.
- Example: We had pancakes for breakfast.
- Mailbox
- Meaning: A box where letters are placed for delivery.
- Example: Check the mailbox for the letter.
- Fishbowl
- Meaning: A glass bowl for keeping pet fish.
- Example: The goldfish swims in a round fishbowl.
- Bedroom
- Meaning: A room where you sleep.
- Example: My bedroom is painted blue.
- Cupboard
- Meaning: A cabinet with shelves for storing things.
- Example: The plates are in the cupboard.
- Toothpick
- Meaning: A small stick for cleaning between teeth.
- Example: He used a toothpick after lunch.
- Iceberg
- Meaning: A large piece of ice floating in the sea.
- Example: The ship passed a huge iceberg.
Improve your vocabulary and communication skills with this simple guide.
Tips Compound Words
There are many ways that you can use to remember compound word examples in English. Below are a few of them that can help you remember them quickly:
- Practice writing them. Practicing writing is the first way to remember. You have to write them in sentences so you remember their meanings.
- Read more books and articles. Another thing you can do is to read more. There is a saying that the more you read, the more you will notice compound words.
- Make flashcards. Write one part of the compound word on one side of the flashcard.
And the full compound word on the other side. - Play word games. Another way to learn compound words in an easy way is learning with friends. To do this, you can make it as a game to combine words and guess meanings.
Final Thoughts on 20 Compound Words in English with Meaning Examples
If you are learning English, you have to make compound words part of your vocabulary practice. The above-mentioned list of 20 Compound Words in English with Meaning Examples we just went through is only a starting point.
These are just a handful of them because in the English language, there are thousands of them. But once you know the basics, it will be easier for you to recognize them. When you see them everywhere, you will be able to point them out easily.
So the main reason why people spend time learning compound words word is because it makes their reading, writing, and speaking much smoother. You don’t have to learn all the thousands in one go. Start with these 20, which are mentioned above. Some of the places that you can use them are in your daily conversations, and you will be surprised how quickly your English improves.
In any situation that arises that makes you confused about what is compound words, just remember that it is simply two small words joined together to make one new word.
So now you know, and you have to start using them from today. To know more, you can take the help of any reputed institution for English Classes to achieve a successful career.
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