Multiple Meaning Words
Basics on the topic Multiple Meaning Words
Do you often come across words that are written or sound the same, but have several different meanings? Learn about multiple meaning words through an interactive video and activities.
Multiple Meaning Words – Introduction
Many words in English have more than one meaning. Some words have multiple meanings depending on how we use them in a sentence or what part of speech we use it as. These words are called multiple meaning words.
Two types of multiple meaning words are homonyms and homographs.
Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and sound alike, but have different meanings. For example, bat can mean both a nocturnal animal and a piece of baseball equipment.
Homographs are words that are spelled the same but are pronounced differently. For example, record can be used as a noun describing the top achievement (stress on the first syllable), or as a verb meaning the action of recording music in the studio (stress on the second syllable).
Multiple meaning words are usually taught in the 3rd or 4th grade, but we come across them every time we read texts.
Multiple Meaning Words – Examples
Let’s have a look at several multiple meaning words in sentences and try to determine their meaning. It is important to read sentences carefully to avoid misinterpreting homonyms or homographs.
My mom works at the bank on the river bank.
The word bank is a homonym, and it is used in this sentence twice. We know that it can refer to either a financial institution or a piece of land alongside the river or lake. To determine the meaning of the word bank in this sentence, we use context clues. The context clue for the first word bank is works at, so the meaning of this word is a financial institution. The context clue for the second word bank is river, so we know that the bank is located at the river bank.
Take a look at another example:
I want to write a letter to my teacher, but I am not sure how to address him properly.
The word address is a homograph. It is used as a verb, describing the action of writing appropriately, which means we put the stress on the second syllable.
Multiple Meaning Words – List
If you are often wondering, what are some multiple-meaning words? or what are 10 multiple-meaning words?, you can consult our list of common multiple meaning words in English.
| Homonyms | Homographs |
|---|---|
| bank bat bear can draft fly miss pack ship skip train watch |
address bass bow content lead object present produce read record tear wind |
You can use this list to create a multiple meaning words poster or anchor chart.
Multiple Meaning Words – Summary
There are many words in English that have multiple meanings depending on how we use them in a sentence. Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced in the same way, but have different meanings. Homographs are words that are spelled the same but are pronounced differently. Using context clues is the best strategy to determine the meaning of multiple meaning words.
Now you know how to recognize words with multiple meanings. If you want more practice, check out our multiple meaning words video for kids. You can also check out our exercises that include multiple meaning words with pictures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Multiple Meaning Words
Transcript Multiple Meaning Words
Multiple Meaning Words [Pip reading a text. Pip, at the party, be ready to present the present to Koko. She's been wishing for a bow.] Pip is getting the treehouse ready for Koko's surprise party. "Oh, this is a really important job!" "I am going to get Koko the bow of her dreams!" There are many words in the English language that have multiple meanings depending on how it is being used in the sentence or the parts of speech. These words are homonyms, which means they have the same spelling and sound alike... or homographs, which means they are spelled the same but pronounced differently. Think of the word, ship. What meaning did you first think of? When we use ship as a noun, it refers to a large water vessel,… but, if we use it as a verb, ship is the action of transporting something from one place to another. How about this word? As a noun, we would say [w/i/nd] wind to refer to the movement of air. In this word, we pronounce it with a short sound. As a verb, we pronounce it [wīnd] wind, like to turn the dial on a clock. Here, we pronounce the word with a long sound. When reading, it is important to read closely and carefully, and not just scan the words. If we scan or read quickly, it's easy to misinterpret the meanings of words and get confused as to what the text means. So, how do we determine which meaning of the word is being used? We use context clues. Let's look at the first sentence in the message. Here, we have a multiple-meaning word twice in the sentence. The first one is being used as an action of giving something to Koko, so we know it is pronounced present... and since it is talking about a party, where we give gifts, this one would be present. Pip, at the party, be ready to present Koko with the present. The word present actually has OTHER meanings as well. Present also refers to time, such as something that is happening now. and to be in attendance. This is why using context clues to determine the meaning is so important! Let's take a look at the following sentences and use context clues to determine the meaning! He looked over a DRAFT of the speech he planned to give at the party. What is the meaning of DRAFT in this sentence? a current of air... to choose for a team or...
Multiple Meaning Words exercise
-
What are homonyms?
HintsShip is a homonym.
Ship is a homonym.
Homonyms also sound alike.
SolutionHomonyms are words that have the same spelling and sound alike.
-
Identify if the word is a homonym or a homograph.
Hints- The wind was very strong that day.
- Wind is a homograph.
- It is time to wind the clock back.
- Wind is a homograph.
SolutionHomonyms
- The bat slept upside down in the cave.
- The new kid walked up to bat and then swung a home run!
- The magician took a bow to the audience after performing their final trick.
- The present had a big, colorful bow on the top.
-
Match the correct homonym to each statement.
HintsKoko loves to watch the clouds make shapes in the sky.
In this sentence, watch is being used as verb.Watch can also be used as a noun.
Which sentence uses watch as a noun?SolutionMultiple meaning words can be used as nouns or verbs in sentences.
Watch
- Noun: Check your watch for the time.
- Verb: Koko loves to watch the clouds make shapes in the sky.
Fly
- Noun: The fly buzzed around the room.
- Verb: Pip was so excited to fly his kite.
-
Is the homonym a verb or a noun?
HintsA verb is an action word.
A noun is a person, place, or thing.
SolutionVerbs:
- Jamie made sure to pack a warm coat for the ski trip.
- My mother could not bear to see me crying, so she picked me up and gave me a big hug.
- Max ran into the store quickly to buy a pack of gum.
- I saw a black bear while hiking today!
-
Identify the homograph and the homonym.
HintsA ring can be something you wear.
It can also be a space to perform in, such as a circus ring.In this picture, the family is sitting close together.
Another way to use this word is: 'Please close the front door when you leave the house'.SolutionHomonyms are words that have the same spelling and sound alike.
- The ring has a black diamond on it. Ring is a homonym. It can be used in different ways with the same spelling and sound.
- They are close and travel together. Close is a homograph. It can be used in different ways with the same spelling and different sound.
-
What is the meaning of the bold word in the sentence?
Hints- Use context clues.
- Which word gives the context for the definition of ring?
- Use context clues.
- Which word gives the context for the definition of ring?
- Does it make sense for the sentence to be referring to a piece of jewelry?
SolutionThe meaning of the bold word is in italics:
1) circus ring - the space in the center of the circus where people perform
2) close the door - to shut so it is not open
3) fair - a fun gathering for people with rides and games
4) fair - an outcome that is considered just for all sides
