50+ Compound Words For Kids With Meanings

Ana Hernandez • May 7, 2024 • 4 min read
Compound words for kids
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Compound words are like little word puzzles that fit together to make something new and exciting. They combine two separate words to create one with a unique meaning. From "butterfly" to "sunflower," each compound word has its own story to tell.

They are everywhere, and learning them helps you understand how the English language works. It's like being a word detective who looks at clues (words) and figures out how they can connect to solve puzzles (make new meanings). Whether you’re reading your favorite book or chatting with friends, knowing these words will make your adventures in reading and speaking even more thrilling.

Compound Words For Everyday Objects

  • Toothbrush - A brush used to clean your teeth.

  • Sunglasses - Glasses that protect your eyes from the sun.

  • Basketball - A ball that you need to get through a hoop with a basket.

  • Notebook - A book for writing notes.

  • Bookshelf - A shelf where you keep books.

  • Doorbell - A bell by the door that you ring to let people know you’re there.

  • Cupcake - A small cake for one person, often decorated with frosting.

  • Lipstick - A cosmetic product applied to the lips for color.

  • Mailbox - A box outside your home where you receive letters.

  • Keychain - A small chain that holds keys.

  • Bedroom - A room where you sleep.

  • Flashlight - A portable device that emits light to see in the dark.

  • Teapot - A pot for brewing and serving tea.

Compound Words For Nature Wonders

  • Sunflower - A tall flower that looks like the sun.

  • Rainbow - Colors in an arc shape that appear in the sky when the sun shines after rain.

  • Grasshopper - A green insect that hops on the grass.

  • Snowflake - A tiny piece of snow that falls from the sky, each one with a unique pattern.

  • Starfish - A sea creature shaped like a star.

  • Moonlight - The light that comes from the moon.

  • Earthquake - A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, often causing great destruction.

  • Blueberry - A small round blue fruit.

  • Seashore - The area where the sea meets the land.

  • Thunderstorm - A storm with thunder and lightning.

  • Waterfall - Where water flows over a vertical drop in a river or stream.

  • Kingfisher - A type of bird known for its colorful plumage and fishing skills.

Compound Words For Fun Places

  • Playground - A place where kids can play on swings, slides, and other fun equipment.

  • Treehouse - A house built in the branches of a tree.

  • Campfire - A fire made at camp for warmth or cooking.

  • Airport - A place where airplanes take off and land.

  • Schoolyard - The outdoor area at a school where kids can play.

  • Funhouse - A building at an amusement park with funny mirrors and obstacles.

  • Waterpark - A park with water slides and swimming pools for recreation.

  • Playroom - A room in a house designated for playing.

  • Sandcastle - A small castle made of sand, usually at the beach.

  • Skatepark - A recreational environment made for skateboarding.

Compound Words For People and Characters

  • Firefighter - Someone who puts out fires (or rescues kittens).

  • Cowboy - A person who rides horses and takes care of cows.

  • Superhero - A character in stories known for heroic acts and powers.

  • Mermaid - A mythical sea creature with the head and body of a woman and the tail of a fish.

  • Salesperson - Someone who sells goods or services.

  • Teacher - A person who helps students learn.

  • Storyteller - Someone who tells stories, often in an entertaining way.

  • Lifeguard - A person who saves lives by rescuing swimmers in danger.

  • Housekeeper - Someone who manages the household duties.

  • Newscaster - A person who reports news stories on TV or radio.

Compound Words For Actions and Activities

  • Jumpstart - To start something with a sudden burst of energy.

  • Checkout - The place you pay in a store or the process of paying.

  • Breakfast - The first meal of the day, eaten in the morning.

  • Handshake - Gripping and shaking someone's hand as a greeting or agreement.

  • Sleepwalk - Walking while fully asleep.

  • Daydream - To think pleasant thoughts while awake when your attention is not required.

  • Brainstorm - To generate many ideas in a group.

  • Backflip - A flip that rotates your body backwards.

  • Babysit - To watch and take care of a baby or child.

  • Wordplay - The witty play on words or manipulating words in clever ways.

  • Stargaze - To look at or study the stars.

From everyday items like "toothbrush" to the wonders of nature like "sunflower" and cool actions like "jumpstart," these words show how combining smaller words can create new meanings. Keep an eye out for compound words everywhere you go, and see how many you can spot and use in your conversations and stories.