noun

common noun

KOM-uhn NOWN

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Common noun (noun) means a noun that names a general class of person, place, thing or idea rather than a particular one, and which is not capitalised unless it begins a sentence. Example: “In the phrase "my sister visited Paris", "sister" is a common noun and "Paris" is not.”

noun

A noun that names a general class of person, place, thing or idea rather than a particular one, and which is not capitalised unless it begins a sentence.

"In the phrase "my sister visited Paris", "sister" is a common noun and "Paris" is not."

"Teach the children to spot a common noun before you move on to abstract nouns."

How to use common noun

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA word for a general kind of thing, like "dog" or "city", not a name like "Rex" or "Cairo".

When to use it

A standard grammar term used from primary school onwards.

Memory tip

Try putting "a" or "the" in front of the word. If "a teacher" sounds fine, it is a common noun; "a Nigeria" does not work, so Nigeria is proper.

Easily confused with

proper noun collective noun abstract noun

Common pairings

a common noun and a proper noun functions as a common noun the plural of a common noun

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “common noun” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

In the phrase "my sister visited Paris", "sister" is a _____ and "Paris" is not.

Synonyms

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generic noun appellative

Antonyms

proper noun

Related words

designation denomination appellative appellation

Rhymes for common noun

noun Youn pronoun

See all rhymes for common noun →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a common noun and a proper noun?

A common noun names any member of a group — city, dog, teacher — while a proper noun names one specific member, such as Madrid, Rex or Mrs Okafor. Proper nouns take a capital letter wherever they appear; common nouns only take one at the start of a sentence or in a title.

Can a common noun ever be capitalised?

Yes, but only for reasons other than being a name: at the start of a sentence, in headings and titles, or when it forms part of a proper name, as in "Oxford Street" or "Lake Victoria". On its own, "street" or "lake" stays lower case.

Are abstract nouns common nouns?

Usually, yes. Words such as freedom, anger and beauty name general concepts rather than specific entities, so they behave as common nouns. The common/proper split is about whether a noun names one particular thing, not about whether you can touch it.

What is the meaning of common noun?

"common noun" (noun) means a noun that names a general class of person, place, thing or idea rather than a particular one, and which is not capitalised unless it begins a sentence.

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designation denomination appellative appellation