ClueBy
TodayArchiveWord list

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
YesNo
↻ New worksheet

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 · ruler · current · bulb · can · cabinet · season · bank

  1. Plant the tulip ________________ before the first frost.
  2. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  3. Wood does not conduct electric ________________.
  4. They retained the League and Cup in his second ________________.
  5. In all probability, the ________________ will fall.
  6. What do you think of the new ________________?
  7. No doubt you will be able to ________________ the examination.
  8. She took a metal box from the top of the kitchen ________________.
  9. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  10. Let us try to swim against the ________________.
  11. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  12. The light ________________ burned out.
  13. I'm going to the ________________ to withdraw money.
  14. Here is a list of ________________ job openings.
  15. This ________________ always watches out for its own interests.
  16. We wanted to take a walk to ________________ the time.
  17. Did you ________________ the meat?
  18. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  19. I've got to change the light ________________.
  20. Spring is a pleasant ________________.
  21. Tiny blossoms have come out all over the river ________________.
  22. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  23. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  24. You can't go backstage without a ________________.

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

Answer key

  1. bulb — of a plant
  2. ruler — a monarch
  3. current — electric
  4. season — in sport
  5. cabinet — ministers
  6. cabinet — ministers
  7. pass — to succeed
  8. cabinet — a cupboard
  9. can — a tin
  10. current — of water
  11. ruler — for measuring
  12. bulb — for light
  13. bank — for money
  14. current — happening now
  15. bank — for money
  16. pass — to spend time
  17. season — to add flavour
  18. ruler — for measuring
  19. bulb — for light
  20. season — of the year
  21. bank — of a river
  22. can — to be able to
  23. can — a tin
  24. pass — a permit

Multiple-meaning words list

Tick up to 10 words to build a worksheet with just those words.

Make a worksheet (0 words)

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