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Grade 3 · Reading · Vocabulary

3rd Grade Multiple-Meaning Words worksheets

6 printable versionsBuilding ConfidenceAbout 5 minutes eachFree · no account

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Multiple-Meaning Words

Grade 3 Reading Worksheet - Building Confidence

NameDate

Circle the meaning of the word in quotation marks.

  1. The dog began to “bark” at the mail carrier.

    • the outside of a tree
    • a loud dog sound
    • a tree branch
  2. Rosa swung the “bat” and hit the ball.

    • a flying animal
    • a wooden stick
    • a small bird
  3. A “bat” flew out of the dark cave.

    • a wooden stick
    • a small bird
    • a flying animal
  4. Please “ring” the bell when you are ready.

    • a band for a finger
    • make a bell sound
    • tie with string
  5. We sat on the porch to “watch” the sunset.

    • a small clock
    • listen to
    • look at
  6. It was not “fair” that only one team got a turn.

    • very hot
    • treating everyone the same
    • a show with rides and games
  7. Be careful not to “fall” on the wet floor.

    • climb up slowly
    • the season after summer
    • drop down by accident
  8. Dad struck a “match” to light the candle.

    • throw away
    • a small stick that makes fire
    • go with
  9. Water came up from a “spring” in the hillside.

    • a rainy day
    • the season after winter
    • water from the ground
  10. A “seal” swam near the rocks and then dived.

    • close tightly
    • open wide
    • a sea animal
  11. Please “row” the boat to the dock.

    • paint a boat
    • a line of seats
    • move a boat with oars
  12. The flowers bloom in the “spring”.

    • water from the ground
    • the season after winter
    • a rainy day
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3rd Grade Multiple-Meaning Words worksheet 1 – printable PDF
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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.

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.

Similar: Context Clues · Informational Vocabulary

More 3rd grade vocabulary

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