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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. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  2. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  3. You don't need to ________________ round.
  4. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  5. This ________________ always watches out for its own interests.
  6. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  7. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  8. Michael Jackson and Prince changed the history of ________________ music.
  9. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  10. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  11. Tiny blossoms have come out all over the river ________________.
  12. Are you a huge ________________ of trains?
  13. In geometry, a flat surface is called a ________________.
  14. I'm going to the ________________ to withdraw money.
  15. Where did you ________________ them?
  16. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  17. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  18. We're almost out of ________________.
  19. Can you turn the ________________ on?
  20. I am not a ________________ of shrimp.
  21. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  22. The ________________ took off on time.
  23. The carpenter used a ________________ to smooth the door.
  24. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. ruler — for measuring
  2. mouse — the animal
  3. pop — to visit
  4. mug — a face
  5. bank — for money
  6. mouse — for a computer
  7. safe — out of danger
  8. pop — music
  9. ruler — a monarch
  10. mug — a cup
  11. bank — of a river
  12. fan — a supporter
  13. plane — in geometry
  14. bank — for money
  15. mug — to rob
  16. safe — out of danger
  17. safe — a strongbox
  18. pop — soda
  19. fan — to cool the air
  20. fan — a supporter
  21. ruler — for measuring
  22. plane — an aircraft
  23. plane — a tool
  24. mouse — the animal

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