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Multiple-Meaning Words

A multiple-meaning word is spelled and said the same way but means different things: a bat flies at night, and you hit a ball with a bat. Context is the only clue, which is why these words are such good reading practice.

Here are 124 multiple-meaning words from past ClueBy puzzles, each with a real example sentence for every meaning. Use them as a reference, or make a printable worksheet below.

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Students read each sentence and write the missing word. Every word appears in several sentences, each time with a different meaning.

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Multiple-Meaning Words

Name: ____________________Date: __________

Write the missing word in each sentence. Each word is used more than once, with a different meaning each time.

  1. In geometry, a flat surface is called a ________________.
  2. A ________________ is a sweet brown fruit from a palm tree.
  3. We need to ________________ with this problem right now.
  4. We were using a ________________ as a seat.
  5. Don't make such a big ________________ out of small things.
  6. I am not a ________________ of shrimp.
  7. Which do you like better, ________________ music or classical music?
  8. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  9. I don't want to ________________ the boat.
  10. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  11. Are you a huge ________________ of trains?
  12. Can you turn the ________________ on?
  13. The ________________ took off on time.
  14. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  15. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  16. The tickets are free of ________________.
  17. Where did you ________________ them?
  18. Why do cosmetics have an expiration ________________?
  19. The carpenter used a ________________ to smooth the door.
  20. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  21. Jason, who was in ________________ of the project, was dismissed for corruption.
  22. Have you settled on a ________________?
  23. Where can I ________________ my mobile?
  24. Part of that ________________ required him to leave the singing group.

Sentences from ClueBy, Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR) and Common Voice (CC0). clueby.com

Answer key

  1. plane — in geometry
  2. date — the fruit
  3. deal — to handle
  4. rock — a stone
  5. deal — a big deal
  6. fan — a supporter
  7. rock — music
  8. ruler — for measuring
  9. rock — to move gently
  10. ruler — a monarch
  11. fan — a supporter
  12. fan — to cool the air
  13. plane — an aircraft
  14. ruler — for measuring
  15. mug — a face
  16. charge — a price
  17. mug — to rob
  18. date — on the calendar
  19. plane — a tool
  20. mug — a cup
  21. charge — in control
  22. date — on the calendar
  23. charge — electricity
  24. deal — an agreement

Multiple-meaning words list

Tick up to 10 words to build a worksheet with just those words.

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Frequently asked questions

What are multiple-meaning words?

Words with the same spelling and pronunciation but more than one meaning, like bark (of a dog or of a tree) or bank (for money or of a river). You can only tell which meaning is meant from the rest of the sentence.

Are multiple-meaning words the same as homonyms?

Mostly, yes. Teachers often use "multiple-meaning words" and "homonyms" for the same idea. Homophones are different: they sound alike but are spelled differently, like flour and flower.

Are the worksheets free?

Yes. Make and print as many as you like for home or classroom use. Each sheet has its own link, so you can print the same one again.

Where do the words come from?

From past ClueBy puzzles, a daily game where you sort twelve sentences by their missing word. A new puzzle every day adds four more words to this list.

Sentences from ClueBy, Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR) and Common Voice (CC0). clueby.com