Noun | Definition, Types and Useful Examples in English

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The article below will show you what is the definition of a noun, the different types of nouns and how to use nouns in sentences with useful examples and ESL infographic.

What Is a Noun?

A noun is a word that is used to identify or classify a person (George Washington), place (factory), object (trains), animal (cat), or idea (kindness). Nouns are often referred to as a “naming word.” It is the subject of a verb (action). A noun can be singular (one) or plural (many). It can also be replaced by a pronoun (he, she, it, they, someone, who, I, me, you, everybody).

Types of Nouns

1. Common Nouns

A common noun is used to identify common or generic words for places, things, and people. Common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence or are in a title. Examples: country, factory, boy, fish, train.

2. Proper Nouns

A proper noun identifies a specific thing, person, or place. Proper nouns should be capitalized when used in a sentence. Examples: Dunkin Donuts, Amy, Germany Spot, Chase Bank.

3. Singular Nouns

A singular noun identifies that there is only one place, person, or thing. Examples: fox, man, restaurant, arm.

4. Plural Nouns

A plural noun identifies that there is more than one of something. This is done by adding an -s to the end of the noun (arms), or by adding an -es (foxes). Occasionally, the spelling may change to create a plural noun (countries or parties).

• Regular Plural Nouns: arms, foxes, countries, parties.

Not all plural nouns follow the adds –s or –es rule, there are exceptions that are called irregular plural nouns.

• Irregular Plural Nouns: men, women, geese, people.

5. Concrete Nouns

A concrete noun is something that is not abstract. It can be seen, touched, tasted, felt, or smelled. Examples: computer, banana, dog, pie.

6. Abstract Nouns

An abstract noun is an idea that is intangible or untouchable. Examples: fear, loneliness, love, friendship.

7. Collective Nouns

A collective noun identifies a single noun that is a part of a group. This happens when a group is acting as one or completing the same action. Example Sentence: The team is playing an away game today. Other examples: herd, bunch, pack, swarm, family.

8. Compound Nouns

A compound noun combines two or more words together. They can appear as a single word, words connected by a hyphen, or use multiple words. Example: toothpaste, passer-by, water tank, rainfall.

9. Countable Nouns

A countable noun can be counted. When you have two fish or six sandwiches, you are describing a noun that is countable. Example: orange, chair, desk.

10. Uncountable Nouns

An uncountable noun can’t be counted. They usually don’t have a plural form either. Example: fear, joy, happiness, freedom, seafood, salt.

Examples of Nouns

1. Common Nouns:

• The boy ran to school.
• The factory closed every Sunday.

2. Proper Nouns:

• Harriet Tubman ran the Underground Railroad.
• My dog, Spot, is the best dog ever.

3. Singular Nouns:

• The fox had a large pond to swim in.
• The girl skipped to the house.

4. Plural Nouns:

• The men are going to see a football game.
• The rabbits are sunning themselves in the field.

5. Concrete Nouns:

• I love to eat ice cream.
• John is a good friend.

6. Abstract Nouns:

• Everyone feels fear sometimes.
• Our friendship is unbreakable.

7. Collective Nouns:

• A herd of buffalo ran through the field.
• A flock of birds flew overhead.

8. Compound Nouns:

• The rainfall was minimal this year.
• I play basketball on Fridays.

9. Countable Nouns:

• Two cars raced.
• The desk is broken.

10. Uncountable Nouns:

• Summer brings the children freedom from school.
• My dog brings me joy.