ClueBy
TodayArchiveWord list

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.

Make a worksheet

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

Words on the sheet
468
Word bank
YesNo
↻ New worksheet

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. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  2. A trickle of blood ran from her ________________ down her cheek.
  3. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  4. The surfers were looking for the perfect ________________.
  5. Are you the only one who has a ________________ to this door?
  6. Tom got himself in a ________________.
  7. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  8. It's your turn to ________________ the ball down the lane.
  9. Our bank has a ________________ near the station.
  10. The ________________ change colour in autumn.
  11. When was this ________________ built?
  12. Biology is a ________________ of science.
  13. Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean ________________.
  14. I am seized by an uncontrollable ________________ of sadness.
  15. Millions watch the Super ________________ every February.
  16. Would you like some apricot ________________?
  17. He always ________________ the window open while he sleeps.
  18. This piece is in a major ________________.
  19. Hard work is the ________________ to success.
  20. The train ________________ at six o'clock.
  21. He chopped down the ________________ with an ax.
  22. The bus was late because of the traffic ________________.
  23. Your daily life is your ________________ and your religion.
  24. A lot of friends came to ________________ goodbye to me.

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

Answer key

  1. ruler — for measuring
  2. temple — side of the head
  3. ruler — a monarch
  4. wave — of the sea
  5. key — for a lock
  6. jam — a tight spot
  7. ruler — for measuring
  8. bowl — to roll
  9. branch — of a bank
  10. leaves — of a tree
  11. temple — a place of worship
  12. branch — a division
  13. bowl — a dish
  14. wave — a sudden rise
  15. bowl — a football final
  16. jam — to spread on bread
  17. leaves — lets stay
  18. key — in music
  19. key — the most important part
  20. leaves — to go away
  21. branch — of a tree
  22. jam — in traffic
  23. temple — a place of worship
  24. wave — with your hand

Multiple-meaning words list

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

Make a worksheet (0 words)

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