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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: lie · craft · lash · mark · pass · bowl · pitcher · mug

  1. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  2. The hot cup left a ________________ on the table.
  3. He is an ace ________________.
  4. Fill up this ________________ with water.
  5. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  6. Don't ________________ out at me just because you're upset.
  7. He felt the sting of the whip's ________________.
  8. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  9. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  10. ________________ my words: he'll be late again.
  11. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.
  12. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  13. She got the top ________________ in the exam.
  14. The spa offers ________________ extensions.
  15. Where did you ________________ them?
  16. Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean ________________.
  17. Flower arranging is a traditional ________________ in Japan.
  18. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  19. He spent years learning his ________________ as a carpenter.
  20. It's your turn to ________________ the ball down the lane.
  21. The ________________ will go to the well once too often.
  22. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  23. Millions watch the Super ________________ every February.
  24. Small ________________ should stay in the harbor during the storm.

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

Answer key

  1. lie — an untruth
  2. mark — a trace
  3. pitcher — in baseball
  4. pitcher — a jug
  5. pass — to spend time
  6. lash — to lash out
  7. lash — a whip stroke
  8. pass — a permit
  9. pass — to succeed
  10. mark — to pay attention
  11. lie — to recline
  12. lie — an untruth
  13. mark — a grade
  14. lash — an eyelash
  15. mug — to rob
  16. bowl — a dish
  17. craft — a handicraft
  18. mug — a face
  19. craft — a skill
  20. bowl — to roll
  21. pitcher — a jug
  22. mug — a cup
  23. bowl — a football final
  24. craft — boats

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