ClueBy
TodayArchiveWord list

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.

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
YesNo
↻ New worksheet

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: chip · key · lie · fine · stick · can · rush · hide

  1. Fiction is obliged to ________________ to possibilities. Truth isn't.
  2. You shouldn't ________________ things.
  3. That must've been a ________________.
  4. This piece is in a major ________________.
  5. The potato ________________ was salty and crunchy.
  6. Speak softly and carry a big ________________.
  7. This shop sells ________________ wines and cheeses.
  8. Take your time. There's no ________________.
  9. I assure you, everything's ________________.
  10. Why are you trying to ________________ your feelings?
  11. There's a computer ________________ on the table.
  12. Are you the only one who has a ________________ to this door?
  13. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  14. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  15. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  16. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.
  17. Algeria has become a bargaining ________________ in a global game of poker.
  18. This is the first time I've ever walked with a ________________.
  19. She was laid on a cow-________________ and covered by a coarse woollen blanket.
  20. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  21. We have nothing to ________________ here.
  22. I got a ________________ for parking in the wrong place.
  23. Hard work is the ________________ to success.
  24. Recycle the empty soda ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. stick — to attach or keep to
  2. rush — to hurry
  3. rush — a thrill
  4. key — in music
  5. chip — to eat
  6. stick — a piece of wood
  7. fine — high quality
  8. rush — hurry
  9. fine — all right
  10. hide — to keep secret
  11. chip — in a computer
  12. key — for a lock
  13. can — a tin
  14. lie — an untruth
  15. lie — an untruth
  16. lie — to recline
  17. chip — for betting
  18. stick — a piece of wood
  19. hide — animal skin
  20. can — to be able to
  21. hide — to keep secret
  22. fine — a penalty
  23. key — the most important part
  24. can — a tin

Multiple-meaning words list

Tick up to 10 words to build a worksheet with just those words.

Make a worksheet (0 words)

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