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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. Tiny blossoms have come out all over the river ________________.
  2. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  3. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.
  4. The bus was late because of the traffic ________________.
  5. This piece is in a major ________________.
  6. Tom got himself in a ________________.
  7. I can't ________________ this cold.
  8. My mare is ________________ in color.
  9. We were using a ________________ as a seat.
  10. The sailing ship dropped anchor in the ________________.
  11. Close the lid of the trash can to keep odors and pests at ________________.
  12. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  13. This ________________ always watches out for its own interests.
  14. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  15. Are you the only one who has a ________________ to this door?
  16. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  17. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  18. Which do you like better, ________________ music or classical music?
  19. Would you like some apricot ________________?
  20. A smaller training pitch was installed beside the main ________________.
  21. Hard work is the ________________ to success.
  22. The train was so full that I had to ________________ all the while.
  23. I don't want to ________________ the boat.
  24. I'm going to the ________________ to withdraw money.

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

Answer key

  1. bank — of a river
  2. pass — to spend time
  3. mouse — the animal
  4. jam — in traffic
  5. key — in music
  6. jam — a tight spot
  7. stand — to bear
  8. bay — a horse colour
  9. rock — a stone
  10. bay — a part of the sea
  11. bay — to keep at bay
  12. pass — to succeed
  13. bank — for money
  14. mouse — the animal
  15. key — for a lock
  16. mouse — for a computer
  17. pass — a permit
  18. rock — music
  19. jam — to spread on bread
  20. stand — for spectators
  21. key — the most important part
  22. stand — on your feet
  23. rock — to move gently
  24. bank — for money

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