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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: pass · jam · stick · can · coach · cue · bay · cabinet

  1. Close the lid of the trash can to keep odors and pests at ________________.
  2. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  3. The ________________ told me I needed to practice harder.
  4. The sailing ship dropped anchor in the ________________.
  5. She took a metal box from the top of the kitchen ________________.
  6. I'll take my ________________ from you.
  7. Would you like some apricot ________________?
  8. Tom got himself in a ________________.
  9. Fiction is obliged to ________________ to possibilities. Truth isn't.
  10. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  11. The bus was late because of the traffic ________________.
  12. Is the royal ________________ prepared for the journey?
  13. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  14. This is the first time I've ever walked with a ________________.
  15. In all probability, the ________________ will fall.
  16. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  17. You can't play pool without a ________________ stick.
  18. You can't go backstage without a ________________.
  19. Have you met the new head ________________?
  20. My mare is ________________ in color.
  21. What do you think of the new ________________?
  22. When I cough twice, that's your ________________ to come into the room.
  23. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  24. Speak softly and carry a big ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. bay — to keep at bay
  2. pass — to spend time
  3. coach — a trainer
  4. bay — a part of the sea
  5. cabinet — a cupboard
  6. cue — a hint
  7. jam — to spread on bread
  8. jam — a tight spot
  9. stick — to attach or keep to
  10. can — to be able to
  11. jam — in traffic
  12. coach — pulled by horses
  13. can — a tin
  14. stick — a piece of wood
  15. cabinet — ministers
  16. pass — to succeed
  17. cue — for pool
  18. pass — a permit
  19. coach — a trainer
  20. bay — a horse colour
  21. cabinet — ministers
  22. cue — a signal
  23. can — a tin
  24. stick — a piece of wood

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