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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.

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: content · ruler · coach · key · fine · suit · leaves · hide

  1. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  2. I assure you, everything's ________________.
  3. The train ________________ at six o'clock.
  4. Why are you trying to ________________ your feelings?
  5. Buy me a box of chocolates and I'll be ________________.
  6. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  7. Check the label for the sugar ________________.
  8. When will it ________________ you to start?
  9. This piece is in a major ________________.
  10. She was laid on a cow-________________ and covered by a coarse woollen blanket.
  11. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  12. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  13. Hard work is the ________________ to success.
  14. The ________________ change colour in autumn.
  15. We have nothing to ________________ here.
  16. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  17. Have you met the new head ________________?
  18. The ________________ told me I needed to practice harder.
  19. TikTok makes it very easy to create ________________.
  20. He always ________________ the window open while he sleeps.
  21. Are you the only one who has a ________________ to this door?
  22. Is the royal ________________ prepared for the journey?
  23. I got a ________________ for parking in the wrong place.
  24. This shop sells ________________ wines and cheeses.

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

Answer key

  1. ruler — for measuring
  2. fine — all right
  3. leaves — to go away
  4. hide — to keep secret
  5. content — happy
  6. suit — clothes
  7. content — the amount
  8. suit — to fit
  9. key — in music
  10. hide — animal skin
  11. ruler — a monarch
  12. ruler — for measuring
  13. key — the most important part
  14. leaves — of a tree
  15. hide — to keep secret
  16. suit — in cards
  17. coach — a trainer
  18. coach — a trainer
  19. content — videos and posts
  20. leaves — lets stay
  21. key — for a lock
  22. coach — pulled by horses
  23. fine — a penalty
  24. fine — high quality

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