The present experiments investigate the influence of modifier relation frequency and discourse context on the interpretation of novel noun-noun phrases (as measured by both the ease of interpretation and the types of interpretations that are provided). We assess whether people access knowledge about the relations with which the modifier is typically used when they encounter a combination in a discourse or whether this knowledge is used only when combinations are viewed outside of a discourse context. In addition, we examine whether a supportive discourse context can compensate for low modifier relation frequency. The data reveal a strong influence of modifier relation frequency when the combinations are interpreted out of context and when they are interpreted in context. Relation frequency also influenced the type of interpretation that is provided for the novel combination. Discourse context (supportive versus neutral) affected the ease with which a relation-based interpretation could be verified but had no effect on the type of interpretation produced.