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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. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  2. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  3. Use a drill to ________________ a hole in the wall.
  4. When will it ________________ you to start?
  5. The giraffe protected her ________________ with great courage.
  6. Tom got himself in a ________________.
  7. He had ________________ pain while walking.
  8. The bus was late because of the traffic ________________.
  9. The girl drawing a picture in the first ________________ is my niece.
  10. Doesn't taking care of babies ________________ you?
  11. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  12. I play ________________ in a jazz band.
  13. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  14. We had to ________________ the boat across the lake.
  15. I had a ________________ with my boss today.
  16. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  17. Would you like some apricot ________________?
  18. She ________________ him three sons and a daughter.
  19. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  20. The fisherman caught a huge ________________.
  21. The giraffe did all she could to defend her ________________.
  22. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  23. Turn up the ________________ so we can feel the beat.
  24. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. pass — to spend time
  2. suit — clothes
  3. bore — to drill
  4. suit — to fit
  5. calf — a young animal
  6. jam — a tight spot
  7. calf — of the leg
  8. jam — in traffic
  9. row — a line
  10. bore — to tire
  11. pass — to succeed
  12. bass — the instrument
  13. pass — a permit
  14. row — to paddle
  15. row — a quarrel
  16. can — a tin
  17. jam — to spread on bread
  18. bore — gave birth
  19. can — to be able to
  20. bass — the fish
  21. calf — a young animal
  22. can — a tin
  23. bass — low music
  24. suit — in cards

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