Grade 3 · Reading · Vocabulary

3rd Grade Multiple-Meaning Words worksheets

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Multiple-Meaning Words

Grade 3 Reading Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the meaning of the word in quotation marks.

1.
This backpack is “light”, so it is easy to carry.
- a kind of cloud
- made of paper
- a lamp or bulb
- not heavy
2.
Be careful not to “fall” on the wet floor.
- drop down by accident
- slide on purpose
- climb up slowly
- the season after summer
3.
Water came up from a “spring” in the hillside.
- a small lake
- a rainy day
- water from the ground
- the season after winter
4.
A “seal” swam near the rocks and then dived.
- a sea animal
- open wide
- close tightly
- wrap with paper
5.
Leaves turn orange in the “fall”.
- the season after summer
- drop down by accident
- climb up slowly
- slide on purpose
6.
The flowers bloom in the “spring”.
- the season after winter
- water from the ground
- a rainy day
- a small lake
7.
Press the tape to “seal” the box shut.
- wrap with paper
- close tightly
- a sea animal
- open wide
8.
Please turn on the “light” so I can read.
- not heavy
- made of paper
- a kind of cloud
- a lamp or bulb
9.
Too many cars made a traffic “jam” on the bridge.
- a bumpy road
- a very fast drive
- cars that cannot move
- a sweet fruit spread
10.
Dad hit the “nail” with a hammer.
- the hard part of a fingertip
- a thin metal spike
- a small hammer
- a loose screw
11.
Dad put the money in the “bank”.
- land by a river
- a boat dock
- a pile of rocks
- a place for money
12.
Mia painted her “nail” bright red.
- a thin metal spike
- a loose screw
- the hard part of a fingertip
- a small hammer

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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