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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 120 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: rash · cabinet · ruler · stand · safe · coach · plane · fine

  1. Don't do anything ________________.
  2. The carpenter used a ________________ to smooth the door.
  3. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  4. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  5. The party suffered for the ________________ of party-switching.
  6. I seem to be developing a ________________.
  7. Have you met the new head ________________?
  8. In all probability, the ________________ will fall.
  9. What do you think of the new ________________?
  10. I assure you, everything's ________________.
  11. I got a ________________ for parking in the wrong place.
  12. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  13. She took a metal box from the top of the kitchen ________________.
  14. Is the royal ________________ prepared for the journey?
  15. The ________________ took off on time.
  16. The ________________ told me I needed to practice harder.
  17. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  18. This shop sells ________________ wines and cheeses.
  19. In geometry, a flat surface is called a ________________.
  20. A smaller training pitch was installed beside the main ________________.
  21. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  22. I can't ________________ this cold.
  23. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  24. The train was so full that I had to ________________ all the while.

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

Answer key

  1. rash — hasty
  2. plane — a tool
  3. ruler — for measuring
  4. ruler — for measuring
  5. rash — a series
  6. rash — on the skin
  7. coach — a trainer
  8. cabinet — ministers
  9. cabinet — ministers
  10. fine — all right
  11. fine — a penalty
  12. safe — out of danger
  13. cabinet — a cupboard
  14. coach — pulled by horses
  15. plane — an aircraft
  16. coach — a trainer
  17. safe — out of danger
  18. fine — high quality
  19. plane — in geometry
  20. stand — for spectators
  21. safe — a strongbox
  22. stand — to bear
  23. ruler — a monarch
  24. stand — on your feet

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