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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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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: squash · deal · patient · firm · pass · can · trunk · cue

  1. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  2. The ________________ was transferred to the cardiology ward.
  3. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  4. When I cough twice, that's your ________________ to come into the room.
  5. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  6. You can't play pool without a ________________ stick.
  7. The president vowed to ________________ the mutiny.
  8. Cut the butternut ________________ into one-inch cubes.
  9. The farmer was ________________ with the unruly horse.
  10. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  11. We need to ________________ with this problem right now.
  12. I'll stand ________________ for what I deserve.
  13. She works as an advertiser at a New Jersey ________________.
  14. The tree's ________________ was scarred by lightning strikes.
  15. Part of that ________________ required him to leave the singing group.
  16. Nothing provides more peace of mind than a ________________ decision.
  17. I'd like to play a game of ________________.
  18. Don't make such a big ________________ out of small things.
  19. I've got the luggage in my ________________.
  20. The elephant has a huge ________________.
  21. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  22. The nurse administered an injection to the ________________.
  23. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  24. I'll take my ________________ from you.

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

Answer key

  1. pass — to spend time
  2. patient — a sick person
  3. pass — to succeed
  4. cue — a signal
  5. can — to be able to
  6. cue — for pool
  7. squash — to crush
  8. squash — the vegetable
  9. patient — calm and waiting
  10. can — a tin
  11. deal — to handle
  12. firm — steady
  13. firm — a company
  14. trunk — of a tree
  15. deal — an agreement
  16. firm — decided
  17. squash — the sport
  18. deal — a big deal
  19. trunk — of a car
  20. trunk — of an elephant
  21. can — a tin
  22. patient — a sick person
  23. pass — a permit
  24. cue — a hint

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