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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: jam · safe · leaves · cabinet · wax · rock · plane · spell

  1. The carpenter used a ________________ to smooth the door.
  2. The museum has ________________ figures of famous people.
  3. She took a metal box from the top of the kitchen ________________.
  4. We were using a ________________ as a seat.
  5. The bus was late because of the traffic ________________.
  6. Tom was very happy that his son returned home ________________ and sound.
  7. We've had a long dry ________________ this summer.
  8. The ________________ took off on time.
  9. He has no idea where the ________________ is.
  10. The moon will ________________ and wane.
  11. Tom got himself in a ________________.
  12. What do you think of the new ________________?
  13. Which do you like better, ________________ music or classical music?
  14. He always ________________ the window open while he sleeps.
  15. In all probability, the ________________ will fall.
  16. Would you like some apricot ________________?
  17. Is it ________________ for us to be here?
  18. I don't want to ________________ the boat.
  19. The train ________________ at six o'clock.
  20. He asked the witch to reverse the ________________.
  21. In geometry, a flat surface is called a ________________.
  22. How do you ________________ your surname?
  23. The ________________ change colour in autumn.
  24. What's the best way to remove ear ________________?

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

Answer key

  1. plane — a tool
  2. wax — for sculpting
  3. cabinet — a cupboard
  4. rock — a stone
  5. jam — in traffic
  6. safe — out of danger
  7. spell — a short time
  8. plane — an aircraft
  9. safe — a strongbox
  10. wax — to grow
  11. jam — a tight spot
  12. cabinet — ministers
  13. rock — music
  14. leaves — lets stay
  15. cabinet — ministers
  16. jam — to spread on bread
  17. safe — out of danger
  18. rock — to move gently
  19. leaves — to go away
  20. spell — magic
  21. plane — in geometry
  22. spell — letters
  23. leaves — of a tree
  24. wax — in the ear

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