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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 116 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.

Make a worksheet

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
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: stick · object · safe · mug · stand · cue · sharp · board

  1. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  2. Fiction is obliged to ________________ to possibilities. Truth isn't.
  3. I'll take my ________________ from you.
  4. I can't ________________ this cold.
  5. This is the first time I've ever walked with a ________________.
  6. Thanks to his efforts, he attained his ________________.
  7. This knife is not ________________ enough.
  8. He's quite ________________, isn't he?
  9. A valuable ________________ decreases in value if it is damaged.
  10. I'm currently on the ________________ of directors.
  11. The captain is giving the order to ________________ the ship.
  12. When I cough twice, that's your ________________ to come into the room.
  13. The train was so full that I had to ________________ all the while.
  14. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  15. Why would I ________________ to a disabled ramp?
  16. ________________ games are popular in Germany.
  17. You can't play pool without a ________________ stick.
  18. It's one o'clock ________________.
  19. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  20. A smaller training pitch was installed beside the main ________________.
  21. Where did you ________________ them?
  22. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  23. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  24. Speak softly and carry a big ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. safe — a strongbox
  2. stick — to attach or keep to
  3. cue — a hint
  4. stand — to bear
  5. stick — a piece of wood
  6. object — an aim
  7. sharp — with an edge
  8. sharp — clever
  9. object — a thing
  10. board — a committee
  11. board — to get on
  12. cue — a signal
  13. stand — on your feet
  14. safe — out of danger
  15. object — to protest
  16. board — a flat piece
  17. cue — for pool
  18. sharp — exactly
  19. mug — a cup
  20. stand — for spectators
  21. mug — to rob
  22. safe — out of danger
  23. mug — a face
  24. stick — a piece of wood

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