compound noun
Two words, one
A compound noun is a noun made of two or more words functioning as a single unit: toothbrush, ice cream, mother-in-law.
Compound nouns may be written as one word, hyphenated, or separate words—conventions vary and shift over time.
The stress typically falls on the first element: BLACKbird (the species) versus black BIRD (any dark-colored bird).
- blackboardSurface for chalk writing
- mother-in-lawSpouse's maternal parent
- hyphenMark joining compound words
- bookshelfFurniture for storing volumes
- airplanePowered flying machine
editor-in-chief · toothpaste · hot dog · coffee table · merry-go-round · roller coaster · football · bus stop · train station · parking lot · snowball · peanut butter · swimming pool · blend · join · toothbrush · classroom · living room
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