Common Nouns - Definition, Examples and Usage

Often heard about proper nouns and common nouns? Want to learn more about it? This article on common nouns will help you in understanding the definition of a common noun, the difference between proper nouns and common nouns and the usage of common nouns in sentences. Check out the following topics for a good understanding of common nouns.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Common Noun?
  • Common Noun Definition
• Examples of Common Nouns
  • Common Nouns Referring to Human Beings
  • Common Nouns Referring to Animals
  • Common Nouns Referring to Birds
  • Common Nouns Referring to Insects
  • Common Nouns Referring to Reptiles
  • Common Nouns Referring to Places
  • Common Nouns Referring to Things/Objects
  • Common Nouns Referring to Ideas
• Examples of Common Nouns Used in Sentences
• Frequently Asked Questions on Common Nouns

What Is a Common Noun?

Nouns are classified into two main categories – common nouns and proper nouns. While proper nouns are naming words that refer to specific people, places, brands, months, days, important historical events, eras and periods, nationalities, countries and languages; common nouns refer to common terms that are used to name common people, places, animals, birds, insects, reptiles, ideas, objects and so on.

Common Noun Definition

The definition of a common noun, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is ‘a noun that may occur with limiting modifiers (such as a or an, some, every, and my) and that designates any one of a class of beings or things’. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a common noun is defined as ‘a noun that is the name of a group of similar things, such as “table” or “book”, and not of a single person, place, or thing’.

Examples of Common Nouns

Common Nouns Referring to Human Beings

• Lad
• Girl
• Boy
• Individual
• Child
• Chap
• Woman
• Female
• Man
• Male
• Citizen
• Lass

Common Nouns Referring to Animals

• Elephant
• Dog
• Pet
• Goat
• Horse
• Pig
• Donkey
• Chimpanzee
• Animal
• Cow
• Calf
• Pup
• Kitten

Common Nouns Referring to Birds

• Dove
• Crow
• Pelican
• Flamingo
• Bird
• Duck
• Goose
• Swan
• Cuckoo
• Sparrow
• Hummingbird
• Eagle
• Vulture

Common Nouns Referring to Insects

• Housefly
• Mosquito
• Grasshopper
• Honeybee
• Stick insect
• Insect
• Wasp
• Ant
• Beetle
• Butterfly

Common Nouns Referring to Reptiles

• Snake
• Crocodile
• Alligator
• Monitor lizard
• Chameleon

Common Nouns Referring to Places

• College
• Airport
• School
• Railway station
• Court
• Terminus
• Street
• State
• District
• Junction
• Bus stand
• Clinic
• Store
• Playground

Common Nouns Referring to Things/Objects

• Stationery
• Water bottle
• Car
• Spray
• Plant
• Necklace
• Tie
• Shoes
• Orange
• Cucumber
• Thread
• Pant

Common Nouns Referring to Ideas

• Truth
• Grace
• Discovery
• Cleanliness
• Poverty
• Movement
• Idea
• Though
• Feeling
• Expression

Examples of Common Nouns Used in Sentences

Here are some examples of common nouns used in sentences.

• I did not go to school yesterday as I was sick.
• Where can I find a restaurant?
• The computer is not working properly.
• Your hair looks really good.
• The girls took a trip to Goa.
• Do you want to go watch a movie?
• Marian likes her new cycle.
• The man was arrested for stealing his neighbour’s car tyres.
• Mom asked me to open the door.
• My roommate just moved out.