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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. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  2. He always ________________ the window open while he sleeps.
  3. The ________________ took off on time.
  4. The carpenter used a ________________ to smooth the door.
  5. The train ________________ at six o'clock.
  6. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  7. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  8. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  9. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  10. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  11. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  12. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.
  13. In geometry, a flat surface is called a ________________.
  14. We came to a ________________ in the road and had no idea which direction to go.
  15. This ________________ always watches out for its own interests.
  16. Use a garden ________________ to turn the soil.
  17. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  18. The ________________ change colour in autumn.
  19. I'm going to the ________________ to withdraw money.
  20. We usually eat with a knife, ________________ and spoon.
  21. When will it ________________ you to start?
  22. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  23. Where did you ________________ them?
  24. Tiny blossoms have come out all over the river ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. can — to be able to
  2. leaves — lets stay
  3. plane — an aircraft
  4. plane — a tool
  5. leaves — to go away
  6. can — a tin
  7. mug — a face
  8. can — a tin
  9. mug — a cup
  10. mouse — the animal
  11. suit — clothes
  12. mouse — the animal
  13. plane — in geometry
  14. fork — in a road
  15. bank — for money
  16. fork — a garden tool
  17. suit — in cards
  18. leaves — of a tree
  19. bank — for money
  20. fork — to eat with
  21. suit — to fit
  22. mouse — for a computer
  23. mug — to rob
  24. bank — of a river

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