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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. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  2. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  3. Part of that ________________ required him to leave the singing group.
  4. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  5. Did you ________________ the meat?
  6. They retained the League and Cup in his second ________________.
  7. We need to ________________ with this problem right now.
  8. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  9. The ________________ found him guilty of stealing money.
  10. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  11. Millions watch the Super ________________ every February.
  12. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  13. Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean ________________.
  14. He keeps ________________ of his days.
  15. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  16. When a clown is made king, the ________________ becomes a circus.
  17. This is my favorite ________________ on the album.
  18. It's your turn to ________________ the ball down the lane.
  19. The ball is in your ________________.
  20. Don't make such a big ________________ out of small things.
  21. Spring is a pleasant ________________.
  22. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.
  23. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  24. The muddy ________________ descends to a valley.

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

Answer key

  1. lie — an untruth
  2. ruler — for measuring
  3. deal — an agreement
  4. lie — an untruth
  5. season — to add flavour
  6. season — in sport
  7. deal — to handle
  8. can — a tin
  9. court — of law
  10. can — to be able to
  11. bowl — a football final
  12. can — a tin
  13. bowl — a dish
  14. track — to keep track
  15. ruler — a monarch
  16. court — of a king
  17. track — a song
  18. bowl — to roll
  19. court — for sport
  20. deal — a big deal
  21. season — of the year
  22. lie — to recline
  23. ruler — for measuring
  24. track — a path

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