Name _____________________________________________

Multiple Meaning Words

Read the dictionary entries. Then decide which definition matches the way the word is
used in each sentence. Write the number of the definition in the blank space.

period noun

1: a section of time with a set beginning and end. Her mother will be in the hospital for a
period of one week.
2: a section of time in history. We were studying the Reconstruction period in social studies.
3: a section of a school day. I’ve got math scheduled for third period next year.
4: a punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence or abbreviation. You must decide
whether to use a period, an exclamation point, or a question mark.

_____ A declarative sentence should be followed by a period.

_____ They said that there would be a brief period of rain today.

raise verb

1: to move to a higher position; lift. He raised his hand before answering the question.
2: to build. The group managed to raise the barn in one weekend.
3: to cause to grow. It would be a lot of work to raise chickens in our yard.
4: to ask or bring up. Sue raised the idea of having no homework for tomorrow night.
5: to gather; collect. The club managed to raise over $200 at the bake sale.
noun
6: an increase in rate of pay. My father received a big raise starting next month.

_____ We hope to raise money to build garden behind the school.

_____ My cousin raised that dog from the time it was a puppy.

_____ Peter has a chance to earn a raise after working hard for six months.

_____ If there’s a chance the basement will flood, raise those boxes off the
floor.
seal noun

1: a design that stands for something. All of the king’s letters would carry his royal seal.
2: a material or object used to close something tightly. All medicine bottles have an extra seal
put on them.
3: a mammal that spends most of its time in the water, similar to a sea lion. That seal can
balance a ball on its nose.
verb
4: to close using a seal. Seal the box with strong tape.
5: to settle with an action that is a sign of agreement. Steve and Jose sealed their deal with a
handshake.

_____ I used scissors to cut the seal off the box.

_____ Baby seals look so soft and adorable.

_____ The presidential seal shows an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch.

present adjective

1: existing at this time; current. The present principal has been here for ten years.
2: being with others or another in a specific place. All students were present in class today.
3: having to do with the tense of a verb that describes action or existence now. Present tense
verbs include eat, throw, and sit.
noun
4: the period of time between the past and future. Don’t lose focus, think in the present.
5: something given as a gift. That is the present he was hoping to receive.
verb
6: to give or provide with a gift or award. The winner will be presented with a large trophy.
7: to show. You must present your ticket at the door.
8: to introduce in a formal way. Good afternoon. May I present our new principal?
9: to show up at a place. To run the race, present yourself at the starting line by 8 am.

_____ That is the best present I’ve ever received.

_____ Our present schedule doesn’t allow any more days off.

_____ Those present at the club meeting received a coupon for a free ice cream.