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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. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  2. I got a ________________ for parking in the wrong place.
  3. This shop sells ________________ wines and cheeses.
  4. He always ________________ the window open while he sleeps.
  5. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  6. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  7. Where did you ________________ them?
  8. Wood does not conduct electric ________________.
  9. Spring is a pleasant ________________.
  10. Did you ________________ the meat?
  11. When will it ________________ you to start?
  12. They retained the League and Cup in his second ________________.
  13. What's the difference between broth and ________________?
  14. Let us try to swim against the ________________.
  15. The train ________________ at six o'clock.
  16. The ________________ change colour in autumn.
  17. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  18. The ________________ market has crashed.
  19. Here is a list of ________________ job openings.
  20. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  21. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  22. I assure you, everything's ________________.
  23. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  24. The supermarket has a large ________________ of merchandise.

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

Answer key

  1. ruler — for measuring
  2. fine — a penalty
  3. fine — high quality
  4. leaves — lets stay
  5. mug — a cup
  6. ruler — for measuring
  7. mug — to rob
  8. current — electric
  9. season — of the year
  10. season — to add flavour
  11. suit — to fit
  12. season — in sport
  13. stock — a soup base
  14. current — of water
  15. leaves — to go away
  16. leaves — of a tree
  17. suit — clothes
  18. stock — shares
  19. current — happening now
  20. mug — a face
  21. ruler — a monarch
  22. fine — all right
  23. suit — in cards
  24. stock — goods

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