Let’s go through each sentence one by one to find the compound words. A compound word is made when two smaller words are joined together to make a new word with its own meaning.
1. “The recipe calls for one teaspoon of sugar.”
→ “teaspoon” = tea + spoon → compound word
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2. “The cowboy rode horseback.”
→ “cowboy” = cow + boy → compound word
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→ “horseback” = horse + back → compound word
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3. “We will have a party this afternoon.”
→ “afternoon” = after + noon → compound word
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4. “Jenny will wear her hair in a ponytail.”
→ “ponytail” = pony + tail → compound word
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5. “Grandfather bought a bag of chestnuts.”
→ “grandfather” = grand + father → compound word
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→ “chestnuts” = chest + nuts → compound word
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6. “We have had those thunderstorms today.”
→ “thunderstorms” = thunder + storms → compound word
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7. “Todd picked up seashells on the beach.”
→ “seashells” = sea + shells → compound word
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8. “My neighbor works for the railroad.”
→ “railroad” = rail + road → compound word
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9. “Put this snapshot in the photo album.”
→ “snapshot” = snap + shot → compound word
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→ “photo album” is two separate words — not a compound word
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10. “The sidewalk is very icy.”
→ “sidewalk” = side + walk → compound word
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11. “There is a beautiful rainbow.”
→ “rainbow” = rain + bow → compound word
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12. “My brother plays basketball.”
→ “basketball” = basket + ball → compound word
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Now, let’s list all the compound words found:
- teaspoon
- cowboy
- horseback
- afternoon
- ponytail
- grandfather
- chestnuts
- thunderstorms
- seashells
- railroad
- snapshot
- sidewalk
- rainbow
- basketball
Note: “photo album” is not a compound word — it’s two separate words.
Final Answer:
teaspoon, cowboy, horseback, afternoon, ponytail, grandfather, chestnuts, thunderstorms, seashells, railroad, snapshot, sidewalk, rainbow, basketball
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of compound words worksheet 3rd grade.
