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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 from the word bank in each sentence. Each word is used more than once, with a different meaning each time.

Word bank: charge · rock · temple · vault · ruler · toast

  1. Jason, who was in ________________ of the project, was dismissed for corruption.
  2. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  3. The ceiling is a plaster ________________ painted with stars.
  4. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  5. We were using a ________________ as a seat.
  6. Your daily life is your ________________ and your religion.
  7. When was this ________________ built?
  8. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  9. After the show, she was the ________________ of the town.
  10. Where can I ________________ my mobile?
  11. I don't want to ________________ the boat.
  12. The tickets are free of ________________.
  13. Champaud competed in the parallel bars, ________________, and pommel horse events.
  14. I would like to propose a ________________ on your birthday.
  15. Lukas kept the diamonds in a locked ________________.
  16. Which do you like better, ________________ music or classical music?
  17. A trickle of blood ran from her ________________ down her cheek.
  18. I like lots of butter on my ________________ in the morning.

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

Answer key

  1. charge — in control
  2. ruler — for measuring
  3. vault — an arched ceiling
  4. ruler — for measuring
  5. rock — a stone
  6. temple — a place of worship
  7. temple — a place of worship
  8. ruler — a monarch
  9. toast — the most admired
  10. charge — electricity
  11. rock — to move gently
  12. charge — a price
  13. vault — in gymnastics
  14. toast — a drink to someone
  15. vault — a safe
  16. rock — music
  17. temple — side of the head
  18. toast — bread

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