noun
naming words
NAY-ming wurdz
Naming words (noun) means Nouns, described in the simplified terms used to teach grammar to young children: words that name a person, place, thing or idea. Example: “In today's lesson we are hunting for naming words in the story.”
noun
1
Nouns, described in the simplified terms used to teach grammar to young children: words that name a person, place, thing or idea.
"In today's lesson we are hunting for naming words in the story."
"Circle all the naming words in the sentence: 'The dog chased the ball in the park.'"
How to use naming words
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA child-friendly name for nouns — words that name things.
When to use it
Primary-school teaching language, widespread in Indian and British classroom materials. Adults and formal grammar use 'noun'.
Memory tip
The classroom set runs: naming words are nouns, doing words are verbs, describing words are adjectives.
Easily confused with
doing words (verbs)
describing words (adjectives)
nouns
Common pairings
naming words and doing words
find the naming words
naming words worksheet
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In today's lesson we are hunting for _____ in the story.
Synonyms
View more →
nouns
substantives
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between naming words and doing words?
Naming words are nouns — they name a person, place, thing or idea, such as 'teacher', 'London' or 'happiness'. Doing words are verbs, naming the action in the sentence, such as 'run', 'eat' or 'think'.
Are naming words the same as nouns?
Yes. 'Naming words' is simply the term used with very young learners before the technical word 'noun' is introduced, and the two cover exactly the same set of words.
What is the meaning of naming words?
"naming words" (noun) means nouns, described in the simplified terms used to teach grammar to young children: words that name a person, place, thing or idea.
What is another word for naming words?
Other words for "naming words" include nouns, substantives.
