Compound Words
⭐ MasteredA compound word joins two words to make a new one: sun + flower = sunflower, foot + ball = football.
'Butterfly' isn't a butter fly!
All about Compound Words
A compound word is made by joining two smaller words to create a new word. Sun and flower make sunflower, and foot and ball make football. The meaning of a compound word often comes from its two parts, but not always.
Compound words can be closed, like football, open, like ice cream, or hyphenated, like well-known. Recognising compound words helps you read quickly and understand new vocabulary.
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Real-life uses of Compound Words
- Building a bigger vocabulary from familiar words
- Writing clear descriptions with compound adjectives
- Spotting word patterns when reading
Frequently asked questions about Compound Words
What is a compound word?
A word made by joining two or more words, such as rainbow (rain + bow).
Are all compound words written as one word?
No. Some are written as two words, like ice cream, and others use a hyphen, like mother-in-law.
What is the difference between a compound word and a phrase?
A compound word works as a single word with a single meaning, while a phrase is a group of words that keep their own meanings.