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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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Word bank
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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: cue · calf · current · pass · bank · safe · wake · suit

  1. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  2. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  3. He had ________________ pain while walking.
  4. The giraffe did all she could to defend her ________________.
  5. This ________________ always watches out for its own interests.
  6. The speedboat left a long ________________ behind it.
  7. You can't play pool without a ________________ stick.
  8. When I cough twice, that's your ________________ to come into the room.
  9. Let us try to swim against the ________________.
  10. Friends gathered at the ________________ to remember him.
  11. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  12. Here is a list of ________________ job openings.
  13. I'll take my ________________ from you.
  14. I didn't ________________ up well this morning.
  15. Wood does not conduct electric ________________.
  16. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  17. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  18. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  19. When will it ________________ you to start?
  20. The giraffe protected her ________________ with great courage.
  21. Tiny blossoms have come out all over the river ________________.
  22. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  23. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  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. pass — to spend time
  2. safe — a strongbox
  3. calf — of the leg
  4. calf — a young animal
  5. bank — for money
  6. wake — a trail
  7. cue — for pool
  8. cue — a signal
  9. current — of water
  10. wake — before a funeral
  11. pass — to succeed
  12. current — happening now
  13. cue — a hint
  14. wake — to stop sleeping
  15. current — electric
  16. suit — in cards
  17. pass — a permit
  18. safe — out of danger
  19. suit — to fit
  20. calf — a young animal
  21. bank — of a river
  22. safe — out of danger
  23. suit — clothes
  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