Grade 3 · Reading · Vocabulary

3rd Grade Multiple-Meaning Words worksheets

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Multiple-Meaning Words

Grade 3 Reading Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the meaning of the word in quotation marks.

1.
A “bat” flew out of the dark cave.
- a small bird
- a wooden stick
- a kind of glove
- a flying animal
2.
Dad checked his “watch” to see the time.
- a small clock
- look at
- listen to
- wait for
3.
Press the tape to “seal” the box shut.
- close tightly
- wrap with paper
- open wide
- a sea animal
4.
Please turn on the “light” so I can read.
- a lamp or bulb
- a kind of cloud
- not heavy
- made of paper
5.
We sat in the front “row” at the play.
- a line of seats
- paint a boat
- use a sail
- move a boat with oars
6.
A “seal” swam near the rocks and then dived.
- wrap with paper
- a sea animal
- close tightly
- open wide
7.
This backpack is “light”, so it is easy to carry.
- not heavy
- a lamp or bulb
- made of paper
- a kind of cloud
8.
The flowers bloom in the “spring”.
- a rainy day
- a small lake
- the season after winter
- water from the ground
9.
Please “rock” the baby gently to sleep.
- move back and forth
- a small stone
- throw into the air
- sing loudly
10.
Please “duck” so you do not hit your head.
- a water bird
- step back
- jump up high
- bend down quickly
11.
I spread strawberry “jam” on my toast.
- cars that cannot move
- a sweet fruit spread
- a bumpy road
- a very fast drive
12.
Dad put the money in the “bank”.
- a boat dock
- a place for money
- land by a river
- a pile of rocks

3rd Grade Multiple-Meaning Words worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Many everyday English words have more than one meaning. A bat can be a wooden stick or a flying animal, and a ring can be worn on a finger or rung like a bell. Third graders learn to decide which meaning fits by reading the whole sentence and looking for clues, rather than picking the first meaning they know. On this worksheet each sentence has one word in quotation marks, and your child circles the meaning that fits that sentence.

Building Confidence uses very familiar words, On Level adds words such as spring and match, and Challenge Me uses words such as bank, rock and jam, where both meanings are common. Ask your child to read the sentence aloud and try each meaning in place of the word: only one will make sense.

What your child will learn

Know that one word can have more than one meaning
Use the rest of the sentence to choose the right meaning
Try a meaning in place of the word to check it

Common Core standard: L.3.4.A

Worked example

“Dad put the money in the bank.” The sentence is about money, so bank means a place that keeps money, not the side of a river.

Common mistake

Choosing the meaning you know best without checking it against the sentence.

Helpful hint

Try each meaning in the sentence. Only one makes sense.

Next skill: Informational Vocabulary Earlier: Context Clues

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with multiple-meaning words?

Choosing the meaning you know best without checking it against the sentence.

How can I help my child with multiple-meaning words?

Try each meaning in the sentence. Only one makes sense.

Are these 3rd grade reading worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade vocabulary

See all vocabulary

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