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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 116 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. We ________________ that the plan would end in failure.
  2. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  3. At ________________, we arrived at the village.
  4. Thanks to his efforts, he attained his ________________.
  5. Use a drill to ________________ a hole in the wall.
  6. The giraffe did all she could to defend her ________________.
  7. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.
  8. A valuable ________________ decreases in value if it is damaged.
  9. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  10. Today is the ________________ day of the holidays. Back to school tomorrow!
  11. He works in a ________________ mill.
  12. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  13. She's very handy with a ________________.
  14. False peace will not ________________.
  15. When will it ________________ you to start?
  16. Why would I ________________ to a disabled ramp?
  17. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  18. Doesn't taking care of babies ________________ you?
  19. He had ________________ pain while walking.
  20. She ________________ him three sons and a daughter.
  21. I'll take my ________________ from you.
  22. When I cough twice, that's your ________________ to come into the room.
  23. The giraffe protected her ________________ with great courage.
  24. You can't play pool without a ________________ stick.

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

Answer key

  1. saw — past of 'see'
  2. suit — clothes
  3. last — finally
  4. object — an aim
  5. bore — to drill
  6. calf — a young animal
  7. mouse — the animal
  8. object — a thing
  9. suit — in cards
  10. last — final
  11. saw — the tool
  12. mouse — for a computer
  13. saw — the tool
  14. last — to go on
  15. suit — to fit
  16. object — to protest
  17. mouse — the animal
  18. bore — to tire
  19. calf — of the leg
  20. bore — gave birth
  21. cue — a hint
  22. cue — a signal
  23. calf — a young animal
  24. cue — for pool

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