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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. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  2. This shop sells ________________ wines and cheeses.
  3. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  4. She sat on the ________________ of the sofa.
  5. The ________________ of the members were all out of tune.
  6. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.
  7. I'm currently on the ________________ of directors.
  8. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  9. I would like to have a ________________ here.
  10. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  11. The captain is giving the order to ________________ the ship.
  12. When will it ________________ you to start?
  13. I would like to propose a ________________ on your birthday.
  14. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  15. I got a ________________ for parking in the wrong place.
  16. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  17. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  18. I'd give my right ________________ to be ambidextrous.
  19. ________________ games are popular in Germany.
  20. I like lots of butter on my ________________ in the morning.
  21. My father caught me by the ________________.
  22. I assure you, everything's ________________.
  23. Because of the accident, he'll have a limp for the ________________ of his life.
  24. After the show, she was the ________________ of the town.

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

Answer key

  1. suit — clothes
  2. fine — high quality
  3. ruler — for measuring
  4. arm — a part of something
  5. rest — what's left
  6. mouse — the animal
  7. board — a committee
  8. mouse — the animal
  9. rest — a break
  10. mouse — for a computer
  11. board — to get on
  12. suit — to fit
  13. toast — a drink to someone
  14. ruler — a monarch
  15. fine — a penalty
  16. suit — in cards
  17. ruler — for measuring
  18. arm — part of the body
  19. board — a flat piece
  20. toast — bread
  21. arm — part of the body
  22. fine — all right
  23. rest — what's left
  24. toast — the most admired

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