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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: current · pass · suit · file · can · rush · perch · root

  1. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  2. We need to address the ________________ of the problem.
  3. He rubbed the rust off with a ________________.
  4. The ________________ of 'teacher' is 'teach'.
  5. When will it ________________ you to start?
  6. Wood does not conduct electric ________________.
  7. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  8. We walked down the narrow path in single ________________.
  9. That must've been a ________________.
  10. The information is stored in a ________________ on my computer.
  11. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  12. Take your time. There's no ________________.
  13. The ________________ of a dandelion is edible, too.
  14. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  15. The owl hooted softly from its ________________.
  16. Here is a list of ________________ job openings.
  17. Let us try to swim against the ________________.
  18. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  19. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  20. ________________ is common in the lakes of Sweden.
  21. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  22. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  23. You shouldn't ________________ things.
  24. The birds use the scarecrow as a ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. pass — to spend time
  2. root — the cause
  3. file — a tool
  4. root — of a word
  5. suit — to fit
  6. current — electric
  7. pass — to succeed
  8. file — a line of people
  9. rush — a thrill
  10. file — a document
  11. suit — clothes
  12. rush — hurry
  13. root — of a plant
  14. suit — in cards
  15. perch — for a bird
  16. current — happening now
  17. current — of water
  18. can — a tin
  19. pass — a permit
  20. perch — the fish
  21. can — a tin
  22. can — to be able to
  23. rush — to hurry
  24. perch — for a bird

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