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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. A smaller training pitch was installed beside the main ________________.
  2. The ________________ of a dandelion is edible, too.
  3. Don't make such a big ________________ out of small things.
  4. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  5. Should I buy a wireless ________________?
  6. We need to address the ________________ of the problem.
  7. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.
  8. I'll take my ________________ from you.
  9. He chopped down the ________________ with an ax.
  10. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  11. Biology is a ________________ of science.
  12. The train was so full that I had to ________________ all the while.
  13. You can't play pool without a ________________ stick.
  14. I can't ________________ this cold.
  15. We need to ________________ with this problem right now.
  16. Later, his shop becomes a ________________ with young dancers.
  17. Our bank has a ________________ near the station.
  18. I thought I heard a ________________ in the kitchen.
  19. Part of that ________________ required him to leave the singing group.
  20. "I don't like games like this," squeaked the ________________.
  21. When I cough twice, that's your ________________ to come into the room.
  22. My rich neighbors belong to a private golf ________________.
  23. I belonged to the harmonica ________________ in my high school days.
  24. The ________________ of 'teacher' is 'teach'.

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

Answer key

  1. stand — for spectators
  2. root — of a plant
  3. deal — a big deal
  4. lie — an untruth
  5. mouse — for a computer
  6. root — the cause
  7. lie — to recline
  8. cue — a hint
  9. branch — of a tree
  10. lie — an untruth
  11. branch — a division
  12. stand — on your feet
  13. cue — for pool
  14. stand — to bear
  15. deal — to handle
  16. club — for dancing
  17. branch — of a bank
  18. mouse — the animal
  19. deal — an agreement
  20. mouse — the animal
  21. cue — a signal
  22. club — for golf
  23. club — a group
  24. root — of a word

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