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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 116 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. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  2. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  3. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  4. I got a ________________ for parking in the wrong place.
  5. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  6. That was ________________ to happen.
  7. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  8. He reached out and took down a small leather ________________ book.
  9. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  10. I need a new inner ________________ for my bike tire.
  11. I assure you, everything's ________________.
  12. I'll be taking the ________________.
  13. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  14. When will it ________________ you to start?
  15. I want a large ________________ of toothpaste.
  16. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.
  17. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  18. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  19. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  20. We are ________________ to obey laws.
  21. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  22. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  23. This shop sells ________________ wines and cheeses.
  24. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. can — a tin
  2. ruler — for measuring
  3. ruler — a monarch
  4. fine — a penalty
  5. lie — an untruth
  6. bound — certain
  7. ruler — for measuring
  8. bound — tied together
  9. safe — out of danger
  10. tube — in a tire
  11. fine — all right
  12. tube — the underground
  13. lie — an untruth
  14. suit — to fit
  15. tube — a container
  16. lie — to recline
  17. can — a tin
  18. safe — out of danger
  19. suit — clothes
  20. bound — obliged
  21. safe — a strongbox
  22. can — to be able to
  23. fine — high quality
  24. suit — in cards

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