Compound words are a great way to help kids expand their vocabulary, understand word structure, and improve reading fluency. By learning how two words can join to create a new word with a distinct meaning, children build critical language skills in a fun and practical way.
This guide introduces 100 kid-friendly compound words, grouped into three types: closed, open, and hyphenated. Each word comes with a simple example sentence to help learners see the word in action! To help children develop a love for reading and improve their writing skills, the WuKong ELA Reading and Writing Program is highly recommended. This program offers tailored lessons, small class sizes, and a rich array of English resources.
What Are Compound Words?
A compound word is formed when two individual words are combined to create a new word with a different meaning. Think of it like this:
Word A + Word B = Compound Word
Example: tooth + brush = toothbrush
There are three main types of compound words:
-
Closed Compound Words – written as a single word (e.g., basketball)
-
Open Compound Words – written as two separate words (e.g., ice cream)
-
Hyphenated Compound Words – connected with a hyphen (e.g., mother-in-law)
Let’s explore each type with lists and examples!
100 Closed Compound Words for Kids
Closed compound words are joined without spaces. These are often the easiest for children to read and write.
🏠Everyday Life Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| tooth | brush | toothbrush |
| tooth | paste | toothpaste |
| back | pack | backpack |
| bed | room | bedroom |
| bath | room | bathroom |
| house | work | housework |
| door | bell | doorbell |
| lunch | box | lunchbox |
| dish | washer | dishwasher |
| hair | brush | hairbrush |
| table | cloth | tablecloth |
| tea | cup | teacup |
| hand | bag | handbag |
| wrist | watch | wristwatch |
| head | light | headlight |
🧑🏫School & Learning Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| school | house | schoolhouse |
| class | room | classroom |
| white | board | whiteboard |
| home | work | homework |
| note | book | notebook |
| book | shelf | bookshelf |
| story | book | storybook |
| word | book | wordbook |
| flash | light | flashlight |
| book | mark | bookmark |
| play | time | playtime |
👨👩👧👦People & Relationships Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| grand | mother | grandmother |
| grand | father | grandfather |
| grand | parent | grandparent |
| boy | friend | boyfriend |
| girl | friend | girlfriend |
| class | mate | classmate |
| team | mate | teammate |
| room | mate | roommate |
| life | guard | lifeguard |
| man | mailman | |
| fire | man | fireman |
| watch | dog | watchdog |
| post | man | postman |
🐾Animals & Insects Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| butter | fly | butterfly |
| fire | fly | firefly |
| dragon | fly | dragonfly |
| lady | bug | ladybug |
| watch | dog | watchdog |
🌻Nature & Plants Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| sun | flower | sunflower |
| sea | weed | seaweed |
| flower | pot | flowerpot |
| green | house | greenhouse |
| tree | house | treehouse |
| bird | house | birdhouse |
| wind | mill | windmill |
| rock | slide | rockslide |
| water | fall | waterfall |
| camp | fire | campfire |
🌦️ Weather & Seasons Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| rain | bow | rainbow |
| rain | drop | raindrop |
| rain | coat | raincoat |
| rain | fall | rainfall |
| rain | storm | rainstorm |
| snow | flake | snowflake |
| snow | man | snowman |
| snow | storm | snowstorm |
| sun | beam | sunbeam |
| moon | beam | moonbeam |
| moon | light | moonlight |
🕓Time & Activities Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| day | time | daytime |
| sun | set | sunset |
| sun | rise | sunrise |
| mid | night | midnight |
| week | end | weekend |
| birth | day | birthday |
| play | ground | playground |
| side | walk | sidewalk |
| drive | way | driveway |
| walk | way | walkway |
💻Technology & Tools Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| lap | top | laptop |
| head | phone | headphone |
| sun | lamp | sunlamp |
| key | chain | keychain |
| wheel | chair | wheelchair |
| light | house | lighthouse |
| hair | dryer | hairdryer |
| sun | glasses | sunglasses |
🎉Holidays & Fun Compound Words
| A | B | Compound Word |
|---|---|---|
| fire | works | fireworks |
| snow | ball | snowball |
| candy | cane | candycane |
| thanks | giving | Thanksgiving |
| Christ | mas | Christmas |
| gift | wrap | giftwrap |
| camp | ground | campground |
| news | paper | newspaper |
30 Open Compound Words for Kids
Open compound words look like two separate words but work as one meaning.
| Compound Word | Sentence Example |
|---|---|
| ice cream | I want chocolate ice cream. |
| post office | We went to the post office. |
| peanut butter | She made a peanut butter sandwich. |
| high school | He is starting high school next year. |
| fire truck | The fire truck arrived quickly. |
| real estate | She works in real estate. |
| living room | We watched TV in the living room. |
| full moon | A full moon lit the sky. |
| hot dog | I had a hot dog for lunch. |
| credit card | I paid with my credit card. |
| baby sitter | We need a baby sitter tonight. |
| swimming pool | The swimming pool is clean. |
| police officer | The police officer helped us. |
| coffee table | The keys are on the coffee table. |
| dining room | We ate in the dining room. |
| cell phone | My cell phone is ringing. |
| car seat | The baby sat in a car seat. |
| water bottle | I carry a water bottle to school. |
| lunch box | My lunch box is red. |
| school bus | The school bus is here. |
| gas station | We stopped at a gas station. |
| front yard | The flowers are in the front yard. |
| tennis court | The tennis court was busy. |
| paper towel | He wiped the spill with a paper towel. |
| power station | The power station runs the lights. |
| apple pie | Grandma baked an apple pie. |
| book store | I bought a book at the book store. |
| dog house | The puppy slept in the dog house. |
| traffic light | The traffic light turned red. |
| air conditioner | The air conditioner is too cold. |
30 Hyphenated Compound Words for Kids
Hyphenated compound words use hyphens to connect the parts. These are often adjectives or compound nouns.
| Compound Word | Sentence Example |
|---|---|
| mother-in-law | My mother-in-law is visiting. |
| well-known | He is a well-known artist. |
| part-time | She has a part-time job. |
| check-in | We waited at the check-in desk. |
| runner-up | She was the runner-up in the contest. |
| father-in-law | My father-in-law likes fishing. |
| two-year-old | My brother is a two-year-old. |
| high-speed | We took the high-speed train. |
| self-esteem | Confidence builds self-esteem. |
| merry-go-round | The merry-go-round spins fast. |
| well-being | Exercise supports your well-being. |
| one-third | I ate one-third of the cake. |
| up-to-date | Keep your computer up-to-date. |
| twenty-one | She turned twenty-one today. |
| sister-in-law | My sister-in-law lives nearby. |
| T-shirt | I wore a red T-shirt. |
| mother-to-be | She is a mother-to-be. |
| all-inclusive | We stayed at an all-inclusive resort. |
| editor-in-chief | He is the editor-in-chief of the magazine. |
| year-end | The year-end sale starts today. |
| dry-cleaning | I picked up the dry-cleaning. |
| full-time | She works a full-time job. |
| long-term | We made a long-term plan. |
| old-fashioned | I like old-fashioned candy. |
| mass-produced | The toys are mass-produced. |
| top-secret | That’s a top-secret file! |
| good-looking | He’s a good-looking actor. |
| user-friendly | This app is user-friendly. |
| built-in | The house has a built-in oven. |
| well-dressed | She is always well-dressed. |
Conclusion: Helping Kids Master Compound Words Easily
Learning compound words can be both educational and exciting for kids. By understanding how simple words combine to form new ones, children develop stronger language skills, better reading comprehension, and more confidence in writing.
With the examples and strategies above, you can help your child master compound words step by step. Looking for structured vocabulary learning? WuKong ELA offers engaging, curriculum-aligned English classes for Grades K–12 that make reading and word building a fun adventure.
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I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.