Many English words have multiple meanings. This means that the same word, with the same spelling and pronunciation may have more than one meaning. Sometimes the meanings may be very different. This can be confusing for people learning English. You may wonder,” How do I know what the meaning is?” The best way is rely on context, illustrations, or diagrams in the text. However, if you still are not sure of the meaning, look it up. A dictionary will tell you all the meanings of any word. This posting cannot discuss every word with multiple meanings. There are simply too many of them. In this posting, however, I talk about 25 common words with multiple meanings. These are word you may see and hear in your daily life. I show you parts of speech, definitions, and example sentences for each meaning of each word.The download at the end will give you additional practice understanding words with multiple meanings.
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Below is a list of common words with multiple meanings.
B
- bank
2. bark
3. bill
4. break
5. bug
C
6. charge
7. company
8. current
D-H
9. date
10. fair
11. fast
12. fly
13. hit
J-N
14. jam
15. left
16. mine
17. nail
P-R
18. patient
19. pool
20. pupil
21. run
S-T
22. season
23. set
24. take
25. turn
You now know many common English words with multiple meanings. Often you can guess the meaning of the word through context. If that is not helpful, however, don’t hesitate to look the word up. The download will give you additional practice understanding words with multiple meanings.
You can download the practice sheet NOW!
Idioms of the day
- no picnic–This means something is difficult and not pleasant. I’m glad I moved, but making all the preparations was no picnic.
- turn a blind eye to–This means to not notice a very obvious problem. Her husband comes home drunk every night, but she turns a blind eye to his problems. She insists that he’s not an alcoholic.
Words with Multiple Meanings: How to Understand and Use Them
7 min
Created: March 29th, 2023Last updated: March 29th, 2023
Contents
English is a notoriously tricky language due to various nuances, spellings, and pronunciation issues. Many commonly used words have several definitions – an all-too-familiar obstacle constantly appearing in language learning! But never fear; working on words with multiple meanings can become incredibly rewarding in expanding your lexicon.
Here’s an insightful guide to some commonly used English words with several meanings. We will discuss different types of such expressions and provide examples so that you can better understand the fascinating complexity behind them.
What is a Word That Has Multiple Meanings
A word with various meanings is simply one with more than its initial definitions. Depending on the context they are used in, such expressions can possess an extensively diverse set of interpretations and have various uses.
It’s common to come across one word with two meanings, and knowing this nuance is part of developing an enriching vocabulary. Some tend to be basic and easy to understand, whereas others can present quite a challenge, even for the most experienced English speakers!
As you work to understand the definition of such expressions, remember that they can fall into a few distinct categories. It’s essential to be aware of these, as each type has nuances you should pay attention to. Below, we discuss the three kinds of words in English with multiple meanings.
Homonyms
This category is an umbrella term for words with any combination of the same spelling or sound but different meanings. Whether the words are homophones or homographs, they will always be classified as homonyms.
Homophones
Within the homonyms group, there are homophones – specifically words with multiple definitions and spellings but the same pronunciation. An example would be ‘right’ and ‘write’ (/raɪt/). While they are pronounced the same, their meanings differ drastically.
Homographs
In contrast, homographs have different meanings and the same spelling but different pronunciations. We see an excellent example in the word ‘bass.’ If this expression is pronounced with one syllable (/bæs/), it refers to a type of fish. And if uttered with two syllables (/beɪs/), it means a lower-range musical note or instrument.
6
Examples of Words with Multiple Meaning
Now, it’s time to look at the words with multiple meanings examples. We will discuss each expression in context and delve deeper into the different definitions they could carry.
- Strike
- An act of hitting or pushing something forcefully (noun).
He put his full strength into the strike, pushing away the box with great vigor.
- An organized collective action carried out to protest or accomplish something (noun).
The workers are planning to go on strike as a sign of protest for their reduced wages.
- Type
- A grouping or class of instances that have similar features (noun).
The teacher asked us to describe five types of animals living on our continent.
- The different sizes and styles of letters in a typeface (noun).
The latest type used in most marketing materials is more modern and eye-catching.
- An action of pressing a key on a typewriter or keyboard (verb).
The writer typed on her laptop, with the sound of clicking keys echoing throughout the room.
- Minutes
- The notes taken down during a meeting, outlining decisions made and action steps (noun).
The CEO asked the manager to send out an email containing yesterday’s meeting minutes.
- A unit of time equivalent to sixty seconds (noun).
The waiter asked us to wait for five more minutes before he could bring our order.
- Fair
- A public event featuring amusement park rides, food stands, and other activities (noun).
Cathy and her friends watched the Ferris wheel twirl around during their visit to the fair.
- Treating someone or something without bias (adjective).
The competition’s regulations are apparent – every contestant will be judged according to fair criteria.
- Lead
- A heavy metal primarily used in batteries and other electrical items (noun).
The manufacturer found a large quantity of lead while excavating the site.
- To take charge or guide someone else to do something effectively (verb).
The teacher led the students through their exercises, giving instructions one at a time.
- Row
- One of several lines or sequences that make up a set (noun).
We took the data from last month’s report and organized it into 20 rows on the spreadsheet.
- To propel a boat using oars (verb).
The kayakers rowed along the river as they felt its gentle current.
- Right
- That which is proper and should be done (adjective).
It was the right thing to do; I’m glad he helped his neighbor with the repairs.
- The opposite of the left (adjective).
The shop was on the right side of the street.
- An entitlement or privilege that has been granted (noun).
The company gave their employees certain rights when they started working there.
- Tie
- Something that joins, links, or connects two people; a relationship (noun).
The family members have kept the ties between them strong for many generations.
- A piece of clothing worn around the neck and knotted under the chin (noun).
The student wore a plain tie with his formal outfit to the presentation.
- To fasten or secure an object in place (verb).
The thief was trying to tie up a bag full of money when he got caught by the cops.
- Watch
- An action of monitoring someone or something with focus and attention (verb).
Everyone was watching the news on television yesterday, shocked at hearing the breaking story.
- A small time-telling device, typically worn on the wrist (noun).
She looked at her watch and saw she was late for the meeting.
- Rose
- A flower (noun).
He presented her with a beautiful rose as a symbol of his admiration.
- To increase or develop in intensity (verb).
The level of debate between the two politicians rapidly rose, with each one making piercing points.
- Left
- The direction toward the west (noun).
She ended up taking a wrong turn and suddenly found herself heading left.
- Past or gone (verb).
He left the party without even saying goodbye.
- Novel
- An original, untold story that transcends its categories (noun).
Her latest novel was praised for its remarkable plot twists.
- Something highly unusual or extraordinary (adjective).
The novel solution he offered solved the issue quickly with minimum effort.
- Nail
- A short, thin piece of metal with a point at one end and a head on the other (noun).
I realized I had left out some nails while constructing my shelf, so I quickly grabbed some more.
- Doing something remarkably well or achieving excellent results (verb).
He nailed his recent presentation by thoroughly covering all topics without missing any details.
- Saw
- A tool with a serrated blade used for cutting wood (noun).
He took extra precautions when using the saw – its sharp edges could always pose potential risks.
- To observe or have previously seen something (verb).
I saw a nice rainbow yesterday when I was walking home from school.
- Bow
- A type of weapon used for aiming and shooting arrows (noun).
She constantly practiced with her bows to compete in the tournament.
- Bending slightly to greet somebody, usually as an act of respect (verb).
He bowed in front of the monarch to show his respect and admiration.
These examples demonstrate some of the most common words with multiple meanings in English. Pay close attenton to the context they are used in and their definition each time you come across them to better understand the language.
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Conclusion
Thanks to our guide, now you know the answer to the question, what is a word that has multiple meanings. Understanding the nuances and types of such expressions can help you avoid confusion and become more confident in your written and spoken communication. Keep practicing, and you’ll be able to master such multi-functional words.
FAQ
Why do words have multiple meanings?
The reason behind this phenomenon may have historical, cultural, or linguistic roots. For example, it could be that a word with double meaning originates from two languages and describes different concepts. Another possible explanation is that the usage of words can transform over time due to cultural changes and adaptations.
How many meanings can a word have?
Some words can have as few as two meanings, while others may possess up to dozens! Nothing is definite here; this amount varies greatly depending on the specific expression. Generally-used ones tend to accumulate additional connotations over time due to transformations in language use.
Why is understanding these words important?
Recognizing multiple meaning phrases provides an essential framework for writing and speaking fluidly with precision, accuracy, and clarity. Sometimes, the wrong usage can drastically alter the meaning of a sentence and misinterpret the speaker’s intentions.
How can I work on multiple-meaning words?
It’s all about practicing regularly and familiarizing yourself with different contexts! Learn from examples, allow yourself to make mistakes, and don’t be afraid to check the definition in dictionaries like Cambridge or Merriam-Webster. These references will undoubtedly give you a better understanding of such expressions.
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What are polysemous words? Is it easy to understand someone if they say ‘did you get the bat?’ Polysemy refers to a single word with more than one meaning. The multiple meanings are listed under one entry in a dictionary. An example of polysemy is the word dish. If we took a look at the dictionary we see that dish has multiple definitions, or polysemous meanings, under one entry:
- It’s your turn to wash the dishes = a kind of plate.
- How long does it take to cook this dish? = a meal.
Both meanings of dish imply some kind of ‘food being served’. They’re related by sense but have different definitions.
Another example of a polysemous word is wing:
Wing (noun)
- One of the bird’s wings is broken = parts of a bird for flying.
- The hospital is building a new wing = a new part of a building.
Again, both meanings refer to ‘a section that sticks out from the main body’. The definitions are different but the polysemous words are still related to each other.
Polysemy meaning in linguistics
The term polysemy, or polysemous words, comes from the Greek words poly and sēma which together mean ‘many signs’. The opposite of polysemy is monosemy. Monosemy is when one word has only one meaning.
Polysemy is related to homonymy (one word that has multiple meanings but is pronounced and/or spelt the same). Additionally, because polysemous words have more than one meaning, they can cause lexical ambiguity. This can happen when someone hears/reads something without the same frame of reference or contextual information as the speaker/writer. For example, ‘Let’s go to the bank!’ isn’t clear. Does this mean ‘a river bank’ or ‘a financial institution’?
Examples of polysemy in semantics
Take a look at the polysemy examples below and find one word that they all have in common:
- He has served his time in prison.
- The free food is served to homeless people only.
- This old bike has served me well.
- The new mall will serve the community well.
- My mom served in the medical corps.
All five sentences use the same verb serve. Although each sentence carries a different sense of serve, they all imply the same meaning of ‘giving service’:
- He has served his time in prison → spend some time (in prison).
- The free food is served for homeless people only → provide.
- This old bike has served me well → be useful.
- The new mall will serve the community well → provide.
- My mom serves in the medical corps → work as.
Serve is then a very good example of polysemous words. Some other examples of polysemy include:
- Verb: get — receive, bring, move/travel.
- Noun: bank — of a river/canal, a place to deposit money, a slope.
- Adjective: light — colours, not heavy, not serious.
Important to know: One fundamental characteristic of polysemous words is that all the different meanings are associated in related senses. Because of this, polysemous words often have denotative and connotative meanings. For instance: Head: of a body (denotative) and the person at the top of a company (connotative). Bright: shining (denotative) and intelligent (connotative). Run: to move fast on foot (denotative) and manage (connotative).
Polysemy examples in literature
How can we analyse polysemic examples in literature? Take a look at this excerpt from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale (1623) (Act 5, Scene 3) below and analyze the polysemous meaning of the word gallery:
LEONTES
O Paulina,
We honor you with trouble: but we came
To see the statue of our queen: your gallery
Have we pass’d through, not without much content
In many singularities; but we saw not
That which my daughter came to look upon,
The statue of her mother
[…]
PAULINA
As she lived peerless,
So her dead likeness, I do well believe,
Excels whatever yet you look’d upon
Or hand of man hath done; therefore I keep it
Lonely, apart. But here it is: prepare
To see the life as lively mock’d as ever
Still sleep mock’d death: behold, and say ’tis well.
The word gallery has several different polysemous meanings:
- A long corridor to exhibit works of art in Elizabethan and Jacobean houses.
- (In a theatre) the highest of such projecting platforms, containing the cheapest seats.
- A crypt or a catacomb.
At the first glance, you may think the gallery that Shakespeare refers to is ‘the corridor to display art’ (meaning 1). However, after analyzing Paulina’s remark on Leontes, the interpretation of gallery is likely to be a ‘crypt/catacomb’ (meaning 3). Paulina compares the statue of Hermione to a ‘funerary monument’ (her dead likeness), instead of a piece of artwork (Sabatier, 2016).
Study tip: Polysemous words are often tricky to interpret. The meaning of the word that the author wants to express can sometimes be “hidden” under another meaning that is more familiar to us. Pay attention to the tone, setting, and context of the prose to fully grasp the author’s “real” meaning.
What is the difference between polysemy and homonymy?
There is a crucial difference between polysemic words and homonymic expressions. If you read or hear two words that are written or pronounced the same but have different meanings, they are likely to be either an example of polysemy or homonymy. Deciding what kind of relationship the two words have can be challenging, but not once you understand the differences between these terms.
Polysemous words
- Refers to a word with multiple meanings.
- Are listed under a single dictionary entry.
- Must stem from the same word class, eg noun-noun: mouse (an animal — computer device), wings (parts of birds for flying — part of a building), beam (a line of light — a piece of wood).
Homonymic words
- Refers to words with different meanings but with the same pronunciation and/or spelling.
- Are listed under multiple dictionary entries.
- Can be verb-noun combination: to address — an address, to rock — a rock, to park — a park.
Study tip: Homonym is a broad term and can be distinguished from:
Homographs: words with different meanings and pronunciation but written the same, eg, lead (verb) and lead (noun)
Homophones: words with different meanings and spellings but the same pronunciation, eg, write, right, and rite.
Polysemy vs. homonymy
What is the difference between polysemic words and homonymy? Take the word address.
First, analyse the multiple meanings and word class. Address has two meanings and two different word classes:
-
to speak to (verb) and,
-
a location (noun).
Second, if the words have multiple forms (multiple entries in a dictionary), eg a verb and noun, they are homonyms. If the two words stem from a single form (one entry in a dictionary), eg a verb or noun, they are polysemies. The word address has two word forms: a verb and a noun. This proves that address is a homonym.
Third, check if the different meanings are related. The two meanings of address (‘to speak to’ and ‘a location’) are not related. This further proves that address is a homonym.
In contrast, the word bright (‘shining’ and ‘intelligent’) is an example of polysemy because it only has one form (adjective) and both meanings are related. Take a look at the diagram below.
Fig. 1 — Homonymy involves unrelated meanings, whereas polysemy involves related meanings.
Polysemy and homonymy
There are, however, some words that are both examples of polysemy and homonymy, such as date.
- date (noun) means ‘a fruit’, ‘a particular day’, and ‘a romantic meeting’ → polysemy 1
- date (verb) means ‘to write a particular day’ and ‘to have a romantic meeting’ → polysemy 2
- This means date (noun) and date (verb) are homonyms.
What is the difference between polysemy and hyponymy?
To explain the difference between polysemous words and hyponymic expressions, let’s take the word mouse.
Polysemy describes one word with more than one meaning.
- What does mouse mean?
- Mouse has two meanings: an animal (meaning 1) and a computer device (meaning 2).
Because the word mouse has multiple meanings it can cause lexical ambiguity: «Do you mean the animal mouse or the computer device?» Hyponymy describes a super and subordinate relationship between words.
- What are the kinds of mouse?
- There are two kinds of mouse (superordinate): house mouse (subordinate 1) and field mouse (subordinate 2).
Hence, even if the word mouse is used without a specific reference to the house mouse or field mouse, it still indicates the animal mouse. It doesn’t cause lexical ambiguity with the other meaning of mouse (a computer device).
Polysemy vs. hyponymy
Through our examples of polysemy, we see that a house mouse and a field mouse aren’t the two different meanings of a mouse. Both types of the singular mouse refer to one thing, the animal.
From the perspective of hyponymy, the mouse that is the computer device isn’t a kind of the animal mouse. It is a mouse (the connotative meaning of mouse = polysemy).
Fig. 2 — Mouse can refer to a computer device. 
Fig. 3 — Mouse can refer to the animal.
Based on these two different concepts, we can conclude that:
Bring me the mouse!
- Polysemy example: can cause misunderstanding. Does it refer to the animal mouse or the computer device?
- Hyponymy example: doesn’t cause misunderstanding. It clearly refers to the animal mouse and not the other meaning of mouse, eg the computer device
Polysemy — Key takeaways
- Polysemy is about a single word with many related meanings.
- The multiple polysemous word meanings are listed under one dictionary entry.
- The opposite of polysemy is monosemy (a word that has one meaning only). All non-polysemous words are monosemous.
- Polysemy differs from homonymy — Homonymy defines words with multiple meanings but are written and/or pronounced the same. The different meanings are unrelated, eg to address (verb) — an address (noun).
- Polysemy also differs from hyponymy — Hyponymy refers to super- and subordinate relationships between words. One word has one meaning but can be divided into several subtypes.
¹ A. Sabatier, Shakespeare and Visual Culture, (2016).
Shutterstock
- There are lots of English language words that are spelled the same but have different meanings.
- A baseball bat and the nocturnal animal bat are good examples of a «homonym.»
- An airy wind and «to wind down» are homographs, too.
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It’s no secret that the English language can be tricky. For anyone learning the language, it’s difficult to grasp all the drastic differences a single word can have.
People most get tripped up on words that are too similar. When words are spelled the same and sound the same but have different meanings, then they are called homonyms. When they are just spelled the same but sound different and have different meanings, then they are homographs.
Here are some of the most popular homonyms and homographs in the English language.
Bat
Shutterstock
When used as a noun, a bat could be a winged, nocturnal animal or a piece of sporting equipment used in baseball. It can also be used as a verb when a player goes up to bat during a baseball game.
Compact
Shutterstock
When used as an adjective, «compact» means small, but when used as a verb, it means to make something smaller. It can also be used as a noun when talking about a small case for makeup.
Desert
Janelle Lugge/Shutterstock
As a noun, «desert» is a dry, barren area of land where little rain occurs. When used as a verb, the word means to abandon a person or cause.
Fair
ThomasPhoto/Shutterstock
The word «fair» has a few meanings when used as different parts of speech. When used as an adjective, it can describe someone as agreeable, but it can also describe someone who has light skin or hair. As a noun, a «fair» is typically a local event that celebrates a certain person, place, or historical moment.
Lie
Getty
«Lie» could mean to lay down and to tell something untruthful when used as an adjective. If used as a noun, it is a false statement.
Lead
Shutterstock
The word «lead» could be the verb that means to guide someone or something, while the noun version of the word pertains to the metal.
Minute
Maridav/Shutterstock
The word «minute» can be a measure of time or a measurement of how small something is.
Refuse
Susana Vera/Reuters
To decline or accept something is the verb form of «refuse,» while garbage is the noun form.
Project
Shutterstock
The word «project» has several meanings as a verb. It could mean to plan, to throw, or to cast an image on a surface. As a noun, it is a task or piece of work.
Second
Buda Mendes/ Getty
Like the word «minute,» «second» is another measurement of time, while it can also denote the placement of something after the first.
Fine
Flickr/Charleston’s The Digitel
The word «fine» has several meanings, including two different adjectives. First, it can be used to describe something as high quality and second, it can describe something especially thin. As a noun, «fine» means a payment for a violation.
Entrance
Danny Lawson — WPA Pool/Getty Images
When pronounced slightly differently, the word «entrance» has multiple meanings. As a noun, an entrance is a point of access and entry. It could also be used to describe a dramatic arrival, like a bride at her wedding. However, as a verb, to entrance means to bewitch and delight.
Clip
Alexander Baxevanis/Flickr
The verb form of «clip» can actually get quite confusing. The word can actually mean to cut something apart or to attach together. The word even has a noun form, which is an object that helps attach two things.
Overlook
Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
To overlook means to fail to notice something, but when the word is used as a noun, it is a place where you can look down and see from a higher vantage point.
Consult
Mandate Pictures
«Consult» is another one of those tricky words that have two different meanings and they are opposites of each other. «To consult» can mean to seek advice or to give professional advice.
Row
REUTERS/Erik De Castro
As a noun, a «row» means a fight or disagreement. It could also refer to how something is organized into a line. As a verb, «to row» means to propel a boat forward.
Discount
Mike Kemp/ Getty
As a noun, «discount» is a reduction in price and can also be used as a synonym to «on sale.» But when used as a verb, the word means to underestimate someone or something and give them no value.
Wind
Wikimedia Commons
A subtle difference in pronunciation completely changes the word «wind.» It can refer to a flow of air or it can mean to turn.
Contract
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
When used as a noun, «contract» is a written or verbal agreement, but when used as a verb, it means to acquire or to get.
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