compound word

USAGE SUMMARY

'compound word' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any sentence which requires you to refer to two or more words (or word parts) that are combined to form a single term. For example: "The word 'bookworm' is an example of a compound word, made up of 'book' and 'worm'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Listen to the podcast and send questions for adjudication to www.maximumfun.org/jjho BRAIN TWISTER By WILL SHORTZ What compound word consists of two consecutive anagrams of "shore"?

The New York Times - Magazine

E also inherits elements of these Chinese dialects' phonology and compound word formation.

Wikipedia

"Oh, that stupid compound word.

The Guardian

–What is the significance of the compound word "database"?

The New York Times

It is a compound word that this newspaper will not print.

The New York Times

BERLIN — Germany, of course, has already concocted a compound word for it: Handyüberwachung.

The New York Times

Touregalo, a compound word, is easily translated by glancing at the restaurant's logo: a rooster standing atop a bull.

The New York Times

Given three words — "trip," "house" and "goal," for example — find a fourth that will complete a compound word with each.

The New York Times - Science

The rapid growth of superhighways, according to the National Association of Travel Organizations (known for short as NATO), has revived an old compound word "shun-piking".

The New Yorker

"There must be some long German compound word for the feelings that most people have about their parents, this mix, this stew of gratitude and resentment," says Roz Chast, "or maybe I'm just speaking for myself".

The New Yorker

Yehoshua even has a name for such a place, a compound word formed (like "Benelux", he says) from the first syllable of each country's name in its own language.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "compound word", ensure clarity about which words are combined, especially in technical or academic writing. Provide examples for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "compound word" to describe mere collocations (words that frequently appear together) where the meaning isn't a direct combination of the parts. "Compound word" should be reserved for words formed by joining two or more independent words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compound word" functions as a noun, specifically a common noun, identifying a category of words formed by combining two or more words. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "compound word" is a grammatically correct noun phrase widely used to describe words formed by combining two or more words. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the analysis reveals its common usage across various domains, including news, science, and general reference. Related phrases like "composite term" and "multi-word expression" offer alternative ways to describe this word formation process. Understanding the function and purpose of "compound word" aids in clear communication, especially in academic and technical contexts. Remember to use this term accurately, distinguishing it from simple collocations, to avoid common errors. Be sure to include examples of the "compound word" you're talking about to provide clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

composite term

Replaces "word" with "term", emphasizing the structured combination of elements.

lexical compound

Uses the term "lexical" to specify that the compounding happens at the word level.

multi-word expression

Highlights the expression aspect, suitable for phrases functioning as a single unit.

morphologically complex word

Emphasizes the morphological aspect of word formation.

combined word

Simply describes the act of joining words together.

complex lexeme

Focuses on the complex nature of the word as a basic unit of vocabulary.

fused word

Suggests a blending of words into a single unit.

synthesized word

Suggests that the new word is created by combination.

agglutinated word

Highlights the process of adhesion of word elements.

two-part word

Simplifies the description by stating the quantity of parts.

FAQs

How do I identify a compound word?

A compound word is formed when two or more words are joined to create a new word with a new meaning. Examples include "sunflower", "basketball", and "keyboard".

What is the difference between a compound word and a phrase?

A compound word is a single word formed from two or more words (e.g., "firefly"), while a phrase is a group of words that function together as a unit but don't necessarily form a new, single word (e.g., "in the garden").

Which is correct, "compound word" or "complex word"?

"Complex word" is a broader term that can refer to any word with a complex structure, including words with prefixes or suffixes. "Compound word" specifically refers to words made by combining two or more existing words.

Can a compound word include a hyphen?

Yes, some compound words are hyphenated (e.g., "well-being"), while others are written as one word (e.g., "football") or as separate words (e.g., "school bus"). The form can vary depending on usage and style guides.