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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.

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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: mug · ruler · coach · calf · board · bowl · can · mate

  1. The captain is giving the order to ________________ the ship.
  2. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  3. He had ________________ pain while walking.
  4. The giraffe protected her ________________ with great courage.
  5. Excuse me, sorry ________________, you haven't got the time have you?
  6. Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean ________________.
  7. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  8. Where did you ________________ them?
  9. ________________ games are popular in Germany.
  10. Males and females first ________________ when two years old.
  11. Is that Pat Hanrahan's ________________ looking hungry and willing.
  12. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  13. Have you found your soul ________________?
  14. Millions watch the Super ________________ every February.
  15. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  16. Is the royal ________________ prepared for the journey?
  17. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  18. He refilled his coffee ________________.
  19. It's your turn to ________________ the ball down the lane.
  20. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  21. Have you met the new head ________________?
  22. The giraffe did all she could to defend her ________________.
  23. I'm currently on the ________________ of directors.
  24. The ________________ told me I needed to practice harder.

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

Answer key

  1. board — to get on
  2. ruler — for measuring
  3. calf — of the leg
  4. calf — a young animal
  5. mate — a friend
  6. bowl — a dish
  7. ruler — a monarch
  8. mug — to rob
  9. board — a flat piece
  10. mate — to breed
  11. mug — a face
  12. ruler — for measuring
  13. mate — a partner
  14. bowl — a football final
  15. can — to be able to
  16. coach — pulled by horses
  17. can — a tin
  18. mug — a cup
  19. bowl — to roll
  20. can — a tin
  21. coach — a trainer
  22. calf — a young animal
  23. board — a committee
  24. coach — a trainer

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