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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 120 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. I got a ________________ for parking in the wrong place.
  2. The function of the ________________ is to provide the common people with facts.
  3. Use a drill to ________________ a hole in the wall.
  4. Many happy returns to all who ________________ the name of a flower!
  5. You don't need to ________________ round.
  6. The sailing ship dropped anchor in the ________________.
  7. When will it ________________ you to start?
  8. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  9. My mare is ________________ in color.
  10. Close the lid of the trash can to keep odors and pests at ________________.
  11. We're almost out of ________________.
  12. A black ________________ roamed the forest.
  13. We need to ________________ with this problem right now.
  14. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  15. Did you ________________ the button?
  16. Doesn't taking care of babies ________________ you?
  17. I assure you, everything's ________________.
  18. This shop sells ________________ wines and cheeses.
  19. Manchester University ________________ is the university's academic publishing house.
  20. Don't make such a big ________________ out of small things.
  21. The little girl was crying for the teddy ________________.
  22. Part of that ________________ required him to leave the singing group.
  23. She ________________ him three sons and a daughter.
  24. Michael Jackson and Prince changed the history of ________________ music.

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

Answer key

  1. fine — a penalty
  2. press — newspapers
  3. bore — to drill
  4. bear — to put up with
  5. pop — to visit
  6. bay — a part of the sea
  7. suit — to fit
  8. suit — in cards
  9. bay — a horse colour
  10. bay — to keep at bay
  11. pop — soda
  12. bear — the animal
  13. deal — to handle
  14. suit — clothes
  15. press — to push
  16. bore — to tire
  17. fine — all right
  18. fine — high quality
  19. press — a publisher
  20. deal — a big deal
  21. bear — the animal
  22. deal — an agreement
  23. bore — gave birth
  24. pop — music

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