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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.

Words on the sheet
468
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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 ________________ was transferred to the cardiology ward.
  2. The nurse administered an injection to the ________________.
  3. Fiction is obliged to ________________ to possibilities. Truth isn't.
  4. It's one o'clock ________________.
  5. The ________________ of the members were all out of tune.
  6. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  7. I would like to propose a ________________ on your birthday.
  8. I like lots of butter on my ________________ in the morning.
  9. ________________ games are popular in Germany.
  10. The captain is giving the order to ________________ the ship.
  11. When was this ________________ built?
  12. I would like to have a ________________ here.
  13. After the show, she was the ________________ of the town.
  14. The farmer was ________________ with the unruly horse.
  15. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  16. Speak softly and carry a big ________________.
  17. This knife is not ________________ enough.
  18. A trickle of blood ran from her ________________ down her cheek.
  19. He's quite ________________, isn't he?
  20. This is the first time I've ever walked with a ________________.
  21. Because of the accident, he'll have a limp for the ________________ of his life.
  22. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  23. Your daily life is your ________________ and your religion.
  24. I'm currently on the ________________ of directors.

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

Answer key

  1. patient — a sick person
  2. patient — a sick person
  3. stick — to attach or keep to
  4. sharp — exactly
  5. rest — what's left
  6. safe — a strongbox
  7. toast — a drink to someone
  8. toast — bread
  9. board — a flat piece
  10. board — to get on
  11. temple — a place of worship
  12. rest — a break
  13. toast — the most admired
  14. patient — calm and waiting
  15. safe — out of danger
  16. stick — a piece of wood
  17. sharp — with an edge
  18. temple — side of the head
  19. sharp — clever
  20. stick — a piece of wood
  21. rest — what's left
  22. safe — out of danger
  23. temple — a place of worship
  24. board — a committee

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