compound sentence

American  

noun

1. a sentence containing two or more coordinate independent clauses, usually joined by one or more conjunctions, but no dependent clause, as The lightning flashed (independent clause) and (conjunction) the rain fell (independent clause).

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compound sentence British  

noun

1. a sentence containing at least two coordinate clauses

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compound sentence Cultural  

1. A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses, often joined by conjunctions: “Dr. Watson explained his theory, and Sherlock Holmes listened quietly.” (Compare complex sentence, compound-complex sentence, and simple sentence.)

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Etymology

Origin of compound sentence

First recorded in 1765–75

Compare meaning

How does compound-sentence compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• compound sentence vs. complex sentence
• simple sentence vs. compound sentence

Example Sentences

When the members of a compound sentence are long or are not closely connected, semicolons should be used to separate them.

From Composition-Rhetoric by Brooks, Stratton D.

Use the semicolon to separate the clauses of a compound sentence that are long or that are not joined by conjunctions.

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Wood, Thomas

The compound sentence is good to use to express certain ideas, especially contrast; as, It is not work that kills men; it is worry.

From Business English A Practice Book by Buhlig, Rose

There is another condition which masses many details into one compound sentence.

From English: Composition and Literature by Webster, W. F. (William Franklin)

Rule 3.—The comma is used before the coördinate conjunction in a compound sentence.

From Business English A Practice Book by Buhlig, Rose