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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 120 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. The ________________ went through the wall.
  2. I don't want to ________________ the boat.
  3. When was this ________________ built?
  4. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  5. We were using a ________________ as a seat.
  6. He drove in a ________________ with his hammer.
  7. When will it ________________ you to start?
  8. She broke her ________________ while washing the dishes.
  9. Your daily life is your ________________ and your religion.
  10. Males and females first ________________ when two years old.
  11. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  12. Excuse me, sorry ________________, you haven't got the time have you?
  13. Cut the butternut ________________ into one-inch cubes.
  14. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  15. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  16. I'd like to play a game of ________________.
  17. Have you found your soul ________________?
  18. The president vowed to ________________ the mutiny.
  19. Which do you like better, ________________ music or classical music?
  20. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  21. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.
  22. A trickle of blood ran from her ________________ down her cheek.
  23. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  24. Is it ________________ for us to be here?

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

Answer key

  1. nail — for a hammer
  2. rock — to move gently
  3. temple — a place of worship
  4. suit — clothes
  5. rock — a stone
  6. nail — for a hammer
  7. suit — to fit
  8. nail — on a finger
  9. temple — a place of worship
  10. mate — to breed
  11. mouse — the animal
  12. mate — a friend
  13. squash — the vegetable
  14. safe — a strongbox
  15. safe — out of danger
  16. squash — the sport
  17. mate — a partner
  18. squash — to crush
  19. rock — music
  20. mouse — for a computer
  21. mouse — the animal
  22. temple — side of the head
  23. suit — in cards
  24. safe — out of danger

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