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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 120 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. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  2. Close the lid of the trash can to keep odors and pests at ________________.
  3. Doesn't taking care of babies ________________ you?
  4. She ________________ him three sons and a daughter.
  5. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  6. He reached out and took down a small leather ________________ book.
  7. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  8. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  9. Use a drill to ________________ a hole in the wall.
  10. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  11. Where did you ________________ them?
  12. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  13. My mare is ________________ in color.
  14. We are ________________ to obey laws.
  15. The speedboat left a long ________________ behind it.
  16. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  17. The sailing ship dropped anchor in the ________________.
  18. Friends gathered at the ________________ to remember him.
  19. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  20. That was ________________ to happen.
  21. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  22. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  23. I didn't ________________ up well this morning.
  24. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.

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

Answer key

  1. pass — to spend time
  2. bay — to keep at bay
  3. bore — to tire
  4. bore — gave birth
  5. can — a tin
  6. bound — tied together
  7. ruler — a monarch
  8. ruler — for measuring
  9. bore — to drill
  10. can — a tin
  11. mug — to rob
  12. can — to be able to
  13. bay — a horse colour
  14. bound — obliged
  15. wake — a trail
  16. mug — a cup
  17. bay — a part of the sea
  18. wake — before a funeral
  19. mug — a face
  20. bound — certain
  21. pass — a permit
  22. pass — to succeed
  23. wake — to stop sleeping
  24. ruler — for measuring

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