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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 wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  2. We've had a long dry ________________ this summer.
  3. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  4. He asked the witch to reverse the ________________.
  5. In all probability, the ________________ will fall.
  6. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  7. Are you a huge ________________ of trains?
  8. She took a metal box from the top of the kitchen ________________.
  9. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  10. Can you turn the ________________ on?
  11. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  12. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  13. Is the royal ________________ prepared for the journey?
  14. That was ________________ to happen.
  15. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  16. We are ________________ to obey laws.
  17. The ________________ told me I needed to practice harder.
  18. How do you ________________ your surname?
  19. I am not a ________________ of shrimp.
  20. Have you met the new head ________________?
  21. He reached out and took down a small leather ________________ book.
  22. What do you think of the new ________________?
  23. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  24. You can't go backstage without a ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. pass — to spend time
  2. spell — a short time
  3. ruler — for measuring
  4. spell — magic
  5. cabinet — ministers
  6. safe — out of danger
  7. fan — a supporter
  8. cabinet — a cupboard
  9. ruler — a monarch
  10. fan — to cool the air
  11. pass — to succeed
  12. safe — a strongbox
  13. coach — pulled by horses
  14. bound — certain
  15. safe — out of danger
  16. bound — obliged
  17. coach — a trainer
  18. spell — letters
  19. fan — a supporter
  20. coach — a trainer
  21. bound — tied together
  22. cabinet — ministers
  23. ruler — for measuring
  24. pass — a permit

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