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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. The ________________ went through the wall.
  2. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  3. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.
  4. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  5. Millions watch the Super ________________ every February.
  6. Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean ________________.
  7. Part of that ________________ required him to leave the singing group.
  8. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  9. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  10. We need to ________________ with this problem right now.
  11. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  12. The surfers were looking for the perfect ________________.
  13. A lot of friends came to ________________ goodbye to me.
  14. I am seized by an uncontrollable ________________ of sadness.
  15. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  16. She broke her ________________ while washing the dishes.
  17. It's your turn to ________________ the ball down the lane.
  18. Don't make such a big ________________ out of small things.
  19. He drove in a ________________ with his hammer.
  20. When will it ________________ you to start?
  21. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  22. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  23. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  24. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.

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

Answer key

  1. nail — for a hammer
  2. can — a tin
  3. mouse — the animal
  4. can — a tin
  5. bowl — a football final
  6. bowl — a dish
  7. deal — an agreement
  8. lie — an untruth
  9. suit — in cards
  10. deal — to handle
  11. can — to be able to
  12. wave — of the sea
  13. wave — with your hand
  14. wave — a sudden rise
  15. mouse — for a computer
  16. nail — on a finger
  17. bowl — to roll
  18. deal — a big deal
  19. nail — for a hammer
  20. suit — to fit
  21. mouse — the animal
  22. lie — an untruth
  23. suit — clothes
  24. lie — to recline

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