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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
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: prune · branch · pass · stand · lie · suit · bulb · toast

  1. Our bank has a ________________ near the station.
  2. I cannot ________________ this tree. It's too high.
  3. A smaller training pitch was installed beside the main ________________.
  4. A ________________ is just a dried plum.
  5. The cuffs of his ________________ jacket are badly frayed.
  6. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  7. I can't ________________ this cold.
  8. When will it ________________ you to start?
  9. I've got to change the light ________________.
  10. After the show, she was the ________________ of the town.
  11. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  12. He chopped down the ________________ with an ax.
  13. I like lots of butter on my ________________ in the morning.
  14. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  15. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.
  16. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  17. The light ________________ burned out.
  18. Do not ________________ roses in the fall.
  19. Biology is a ________________ of science.
  20. The train was so full that I had to ________________ all the while.
  21. Positive actions can inspire others to follow ________________.
  22. Plant the tulip ________________ before the first frost.
  23. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  24. I would like to propose a ________________ on your birthday.

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

Answer key

  1. branch — of a bank
  2. prune — to trim
  3. stand — for spectators
  4. prune — the fruit
  5. suit — clothes
  6. lie — an untruth
  7. stand — to bear
  8. suit — to fit
  9. bulb — for light
  10. toast — the most admired
  11. pass — a permit
  12. branch — of a tree
  13. toast — bread
  14. pass — to spend time
  15. lie — to recline
  16. lie — an untruth
  17. bulb — for light
  18. prune — to trim
  19. branch — a division
  20. stand — on your feet
  21. suit — in cards
  22. bulb — of a plant
  23. pass — to succeed
  24. toast — a drink to someone

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