What are compound words?
Compound words are two or more words which are put together to make one larger new word. This new word has a new meaning. For example, the word barefoot is made up of two words: bare and foot.
Compound words fall into three different categories: closed compound words, open compound words and hyphenated compound words.
Closed Compound Words
Closed compound words are the type of words that generally come to mind when we think of compound words. They are formed when two unique words are joined together.
For example: afternoon, birthplace, cowboy, grandson, butterfly.
Open Compound Words
Open compound words have a space between the words, but when they are read together they have a new meaning.
For example: living room, coffee mug, dinner table, ice cream.
Hyphenated Compound Words
Hyphenated compound words are connected by a hyphen. Often modifying compounds are hyphenated, especially when they precede a noun.
For example: well-respected, part-time, high-risk, merry-go-round, editor-in-chief
To practice, why not try out our free compound words worksheets for kindergarten and grade 2.
