compund weightlifting?

[gonzo719]

i am new weight training and i keep reading about compound weight exercises - what are some types of compound exercises? I have been going to a gym for 5 weeks now and i probably do some compound exercises already. can somebody shine some light on this subject for me?

 

[Mudge]

Where you are using many muscle groups for the lift.

Bench press, deadlift, squat - are the big 3.