Noun

Definition

The noun "noun" refers to (1) a word that names a person, place, thing, quality, or idea; and (2) the part of speech comprising such naming words.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /naʊn/
• Respelling: NOWN

British English

• IPA: /naʊn/
• Respelling: NOWN

Etymology

From Old English nām “name,” from Proto-Germanic *namō; influenced by Latin nōmen “name.” Adopted in English in the 13th century to refer to naming words.

Derivatives

• Nominal (adjective)
• Nounhood (noun)
• Nounly (archaic adjective)

Synonyms

• Substantive
• Name-word

Antonyms

• Verb
• Adjective
• Adverb
• Preposition

Usage

"Noun" appears in grammar discussions and language teaching. Examples: "‘Apple’ is a noun," and "Identify the noun in each sentence."

Related Terms

• Verb: A word expressing action or state.
• Adjective: A word that modifies a noun.
• Pronoun: A word that replaces a noun.
• Part of speech: A category of words with similar grammatical behavior.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A word that names a person, place, thing, quality, or idea: Functions as the subject or object in a sentence.
  • Example: "The dog barked all night."
• The part of speech comprising naming words: The grammatical category of words that can take articles and modifiers.
  • Example: "In 'the red balloon,' 'balloon' is a noun modified by an adjective."