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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. This piece is in a major ________________.
  2. The function of the ________________ is to provide the common people with facts.
  3. You can't play pool without a ________________ stick.
  4. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  5. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  6. I'm currently on the ________________ of directors.
  7. When I cough twice, that's your ________________ to come into the room.
  8. Which do you like better, ________________ music or classical music?
  9. We were using a ________________ as a seat.
  10. Did you ________________ the button?
  11. Use a drill to ________________ a hole in the wall.
  12. She ________________ him three sons and a daughter.
  13. This shop sells ________________ wines and cheeses.
  14. I don't want to ________________ the boat.
  15. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  16. Are you the only one who has a ________________ to this door?
  17. I got a ________________ for parking in the wrong place.
  18. Manchester University ________________ is the university's academic publishing house.
  19. Doesn't taking care of babies ________________ you?
  20. I'll take my ________________ from you.
  21. The captain is giving the order to ________________ the ship.
  22. ________________ games are popular in Germany.
  23. Hard work is the ________________ to success.
  24. I assure you, everything's ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. key — in music
  2. press — newspapers
  3. cue — for pool
  4. pass — to succeed
  5. pass — a permit
  6. board — a committee
  7. cue — a signal
  8. rock — music
  9. rock — a stone
  10. press — to push
  11. bore — to drill
  12. bore — gave birth
  13. fine — high quality
  14. rock — to move gently
  15. pass — to spend time
  16. key — for a lock
  17. fine — a penalty
  18. press — a publisher
  19. bore — to tire
  20. cue — a hint
  21. board — to get on
  22. board — a flat piece
  23. key — the most important part
  24. fine — all right

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