WHAT TO DO: Homonyms are words that are spelled the same and pronounced the same, but have different meanings. When using them, be sure to pronounce them clearly and use them in the correct context so your listener understands your meaning.

EXAMPLE: Bank

  • Meaning 1: A place to keep money

  • Meaning 2: The side of a river

Paragraph:
We stopped at the bank to deposit a check, then walked along the river bank to watch the boats.

Your Turn:

  • “I opened a new account at the bank.”

  • “They sat on the bank to fish.”

STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. choose a

  2. Identify the homonym and note its different meanings.

Homonym Challenge

1. Bank
He left the bank after depositing a check and walked to the river bank to relax. The steep bank made it tricky to reach the water.
Meanings:

  • Financial institution

  • Edge of a river

  • Sloped land

2. Match
She lit a match to start the campfire before the soccer match. Their uniforms were a perfect match for the team’s banner.
Meanings:

  • Small stick for making fire

  • Sports game

  • Something that goes well with another

3. Park
We met at the park for lunch, then had to park the car in a different park that had more shade.
Meanings:

  • Outdoor recreation area

  • Bring a vehicle to a stop

  • A designated space or facility (e.g., amusement park, industrial park)

4. Ring
The ring on her finger sparkled as the phone began to ring, and the wrestling ring echoed with cheers.
Meanings:

  • Circular band of metal

  • Make a sound (phone or bell)

  • An enclosed area for sports or performance

5. Watch
I will watch the sunrise while wearing my new watch, which I bought to watch the time more carefully.
Meanings:

  • Look at attentively

  • Timepiece worn on the wrist

  • Keep track of or observe over time