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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. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  2. The goat rested comfortably on a soft bed of ________________.
  3. The kitten curled into a ________________.
  4. Would you like some apricot ________________?
  5. A drowning man will clutch at a ________________.
  6. The teacher called the ________________ to see who was absent.
  7. The bus was late because of the traffic ________________.
  8. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  9. David sat on the ________________.
  10. Where did you ________________ them?
  11. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  12. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  13. In jazz, ________________ was gradually being replaced by bebop.
  14. We're on a ________________ here.
  15. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  16. Tom got himself in a ________________.
  17. The coach helped Matthew straighten out his golf ________________, improving his game.
  18. The King held a masked ________________.
  19. I was having a ________________ recording these guys.
  20. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  21. Grandma has made a Swiss ________________.
  22. It always has to be a ________________ man with them.
  23. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  24. The people resisted their cruel ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. ruler — for measuring
  2. straw — dry grass
  3. ball — a round shape
  4. jam — to spread on bread
  5. straw — to clutch at straws
  6. roll — a list
  7. jam — in traffic
  8. mug — a cup
  9. swing — to play on
  10. mug — to rob
  11. mug — a face
  12. safe — a strongbox
  13. swing — music
  14. roll — on a roll
  15. safe — out of danger
  16. jam — a tight spot
  17. swing — in golf
  18. ball — a dance
  19. ball — a great time
  20. ruler — for measuring
  21. roll — a cake
  22. straw — a straw man
  23. safe — out of danger
  24. ruler — a monarch

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