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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.

Words on the sheet
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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: pass · board · deal · drill · ground · leaves · can · ruler

  1. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  2. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  3. We need to ________________ with this problem right now.
  4. He always ________________ the window open while he sleeps.
  5. The soldiers did ________________ on the parade ground every morning.
  6. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  7. We had a fire ________________ at school today.
  8. Part of that ________________ required him to leave the singing group.
  9. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  10. The captain is giving the order to ________________ the ship.
  11. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  12. The train ________________ at six o'clock.
  13. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  14. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  15. Don't make such a big ________________ out of small things.
  16. The ________________ was covered with snow, as far as the eye could see.
  17. ________________ games are popular in Germany.
  18. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  19. I'm currently on the ________________ of directors.
  20. I need a ________________ to install the towel rack.
  21. The ________________ change colour in autumn.
  22. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  23. Add some ________________ pepper to it.
  24. There's no middle ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. ruler — for measuring
  2. pass — a permit
  3. deal — to handle
  4. leaves — lets stay
  5. drill — army training
  6. ruler — for measuring
  7. drill — a practice
  8. deal — an agreement
  9. can — a tin
  10. board — to get on
  11. ruler — a monarch
  12. leaves — to go away
  13. can — a tin
  14. pass — to spend time
  15. deal — a big deal
  16. ground — the earth
  17. board — a flat piece
  18. pass — to succeed
  19. board — a committee
  20. drill — the tool
  21. leaves — of a tree
  22. can — to be able to
  23. ground — crushed
  24. ground — a position

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