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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. When will it ________________ you to start?
  2. Close the lid of the trash can to keep odors and pests at ________________.
  3. Wood does not conduct electric ________________.
  4. This is the first time I've ever walked with a ________________.
  5. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  6. Fiction is obliged to ________________ to possibilities. Truth isn't.
  7. I'd give my right ________________ to be ambidextrous.
  8. She sat on the ________________ of the sofa.
  9. Speak softly and carry a big ________________.
  10. Let us try to swim against the ________________.
  11. Why are you trying to ________________ your feelings?
  12. My father caught me by the ________________.
  13. My mare is ________________ in color.
  14. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  15. What's the best way to remove ear ________________?
  16. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  17. We have nothing to ________________ here.
  18. The museum has ________________ figures of famous people.
  19. Here is a list of ________________ job openings.
  20. The moon will ________________ and wane.
  21. The sailing ship dropped anchor in the ________________.
  22. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  23. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  24. She was laid on a cow-________________ and covered by a coarse woollen blanket.

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

Answer key

  1. suit — to fit
  2. bay — to keep at bay
  3. current — electric
  4. stick — a piece of wood
  5. suit — clothes
  6. stick — to attach or keep to
  7. arm — part of the body
  8. arm — a part of something
  9. stick — a piece of wood
  10. current — of water
  11. hide — to keep secret
  12. arm — part of the body
  13. bay — a horse colour
  14. safe — out of danger
  15. wax — in the ear
  16. safe — a strongbox
  17. hide — to keep secret
  18. wax — for sculpting
  19. current — happening now
  20. wax — to grow
  21. bay — a part of the sea
  22. safe — out of danger
  23. suit — in cards
  24. hide — animal skin

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