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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. Many happy returns to all who ________________ the name of a flower!
  2. The ________________ of a dandelion is edible, too.
  3. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  4. The little girl was crying for the teddy ________________.
  5. James Baker serves as an Honorary Co-________________ for the World Justice Project.
  6. The ________________ of 'teacher' is 'teach'.
  7. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  8. Are you the only one who has a ________________ to this door?
  9. This piece is in a major ________________.
  10. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.
  11. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  12. Professor Sir Peter Hirsch formerly held the ________________.
  13. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  14. Where did you ________________ them?
  15. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.
  16. We need to address the ________________ of the problem.
  17. Hard work is the ________________ to success.
  18. A black ________________ roamed the forest.
  19. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  20. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  21. I put the bag on or beside the ________________.
  22. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  23. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  24. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.

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

Answer key

  1. bear — to put up with
  2. root — of a plant
  3. safe — out of danger
  4. bear — the animal
  5. chair — a leader
  6. root — of a word
  7. lie — an untruth
  8. key — for a lock
  9. key — in music
  10. lie — to recline
  11. mouse — for a computer
  12. chair — a professorship
  13. mug — a face
  14. mug — to rob
  15. mouse — the animal
  16. root — the cause
  17. key — the most important part
  18. bear — the animal
  19. mouse — the animal
  20. mug — a cup
  21. chair — to sit on
  22. lie — an untruth
  23. safe — a strongbox
  24. safe — out of danger

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