What Are Homonyms? 30+ Examples with Sentences

If you want a complete list of homonyms in English, you’re in the right place. This guide offers clear definitions of homonyms along with a comprehensive list of examples and sentences to help you understand them better.

Homonyms are one of the most confusing yet fascinating topics in the English language. Many students often mix them up with homophones and homographs. So, how do you explain which words are homonyms and which are homophones? 

In this article you will clear up the confusion and cover everything you need to know about homonyms.

What are homonyms?

Homonyms are words that share the same spelling or pronunciation but have different meanings. They can make conversations more interesting, but sometimes confusing too! For example, the word bat can refer to a flying mammal or the equipment used in cricket.

Now, here’s where people mixed up the things: homonyms are different from homophones and homographs. These terms may seem similar, but they have great differences. To better understand homophones, you can read my previous article, "A Complete Guide to Homophones."

The term "homonym" comes from the Greek word "homonyms," meaning "having the same name." In simple terms, homonyms are words that either have the same spelling or pronunciation but differ entirely in meaning and function. They include both homophones and homographs. That’s the interesting part.

By mixing these terms, people often make grammatical mistakes or confuse their meanings.

In many cases, homonyms with difficult spelling are written incorrectly. This can make your writing unclear. But you don’t need to worry too much about it—try our AI spelling checker to fix these types of errors.

A survey by language educators revealed that over 60% of English learners struggle with homonyms because of their dual nature. And that’s true!

30+ examples of homonyms in English

1. Address-Address

• Address (Noun)

This refers to a specific location or place where someone lives, works, or can be contacted. Typically includes details like street name, city, and postal code.

Example: "Can you share your home address with me?"

• Address (Verb)

"Address" means to speak to someone directly or to handle a particular issue or concern. It’s about action—whether it’s resolving a problem or giving a speech.

Example: "The manager will address the team during the meeting."

2. Right-Right

• Right (Noun)

Right is something that is morally good, fair, or legal. It could be a principle, ethics, or entitlement that a person has. It’s commonly used in discussions about laws, justice, or human rights.

Example: "Everyone has the right to freedom of speech."

• Right (Adjective)

"Right" as an adjective means correct or appropriate. It’s used to describe something that is true, accurate, or suitable.

Example: "You gave the right answer in class today."

• Right (Adverb)

"Right" also functions as an adverb, it means immediately, exactly, or completely. It’s mostly used to emphasize direction or position.

Example: "Turn right at the traffic light."

3. Match-Match

• Match (Noun)

This match refers to an object used to create fire, it’s a small stick coated with a flammable substance.

Example: "I lit the candle with a match."

• Match (Verb)

"Match" as a verb means to pair or connect things that are similar or go well together. 

Example (Pairing): "Can you match this fabric with the curtains?"

4. Watch-Watch

• Watch (Noun)

Watch as a noun is a small, portable timepiece worn on the wrist or carried to check the time. It's an accessory.

Example: "I forgot to wear my watch today and had to check the time on my phone."

• Watch (Verb)

As a verb, "watch" means to observe or look at something carefully, most of the time for an extended period. It could be for enjoyment, like watching a movie.

Example: "Let’s watch the sunset together—it looks beautiful today."

5. Park-Park

• Park (Noun)

This park refers to a public area with grass, trees, and open space, used for recreation or relaxation. Parks are common spots for picnics, walking, or simply enjoying nature.

Example: "We spent the afternoon at the park, enjoying the sunny weather."

• Park (Verb)

"Park" as a verb means to leave a vehicle in a particular spot temporarily. It refers to the act of positioning your car in a designated area, like a parking lot or along a street.

Example: "You can park your car in front of the building."

6. Drop-Drop

• Drop (Noun)

Drop refers to a small amount of liquid that forms a rounded shape, typically seen falling or hanging from a surface.

Example: "A drop of water rolled down the window."

• Drop (Verb)

"Drop" means to let something fall intentionally or accidentally. It can also mean to lower or reduce something, like a price or a level.

Example: "Be careful not to drop the glass."

7. Trip-Trip

• Trip (Noun)

This noun trip is a journey or travel from one place to another, usually for a short period. It could be for leisure, work, or other purposes.

Example: "We are planning a weekend trip to the mountains."

• Trip (Verb)

"Trip" means to stumble or lose balance, often causing a fall. It can also refer to causing someone else to stumble.

Example: "Be careful, or you might trip on the uneven pavement."

8. Ship-Ship

• Ship (Noun)

A ship is a large vessel designed for traveling across oceans or other large bodies of water. Ships are used for transporting cargo, passengers, or even both, and play a crucial role in global trade and travel.

Example: "The ship left port early in the morning to avoid the storm."

• Ship (Verb)

To "ship" something means to send or transport it from one place to another, usually by sea or mail. It can also refer to dispatching items via a delivery service.

Example: "Once your order is confirmed, we’ll ship it out within a day."

9. Letter-Letter

• Letter (Noun)

A letter is a written or printed message, typically sent from one person to another. It can be formal or informal and is often used for personal or professional communication.

Example: "I received a letter from my friend in Paris yesterday."

• Letter (Noun, Alternative Meaning)

"Letter" can also refer to a symbol or character used in writing or printing, like the letters of the alphabet.

Example: "The word 'apple' starts with the letter A."

10. Scale-Scale

• Scale (Noun)

When we talk about "scale" as a noun, it can mean a device used to measure weight, like a bathroom scale. It can also refer to a system or range for measuring, ranking, or comparing things, such as a scale for music notes or rating systems.

Example: "He checked his weight on the scale this morning."

• Scale (Verb)

As a verb, "scale" means to climb or ascend something, usually something large, such as a mountain. It can also refer to adjusting or increasing something proportionally.

Example: "They scaled the wall quickly during the training exercise."

11. Date-Date

• Date (Noun)

When used as a noun, "date" refers to a specific point in time, usually on a calendar, such as a day, month, and year. It could also mean an event or occasion that occurs on that day.

Example: "Our meeting is scheduled for a later date."

• Date (Verb)

As a verb, "date" means to engage in a romantic relationship with someone or to go out with them. It can also mean to identify when something was created or when an event occurred.

Example: "They have been dating for six months now."

12. Nail-Nail

• Nail (Noun)

As a noun, "nail" refers to a small metal pin with a sharp point used in construction to fasten materials together. It can also mean the hard, protective covering on the top of a finger or toe.

Example: "He hammered the nail into the wooden board."

Example: "She painted her nails with a bright red color."

• Nail (Verb)

When used as a verb, "nail" means to fasten or secure something with a nail, or it can mean to succeed in something with precision, like getting something just right.

Example: "She nailed the presentation, impressing everyone in the room."

Example: "He nailed the frame to the wall."

13. Bear-Bear

• Bear (Noun)

As a noun, "bear" refers to a large, carnivorous mammal found in various parts of the world, known for its strength and thick fur. It can also be used figuratively to represent someone with a heavy or tough personality.

Example: "We saw a bear while hiking in the mountains."

Example: "He's as strong as a bear!"

• Bear (Verb)

As a verb, "bear" means to carry, support, or endure something. It can also refer to giving birth to something, whether it’s a child or an idea.

Example: "She had to bear the weight of the heavy box all by herself."

14. Duck-Duck

• Duck (Noun)

When we use "duck" as a noun, it refers to a waterfowl with a broad, flat bill, webbed feet, and a waddling walk. Ducks are commonly found in ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Example: "We watched a family of ducks swim across the lake."

• Duck (Verb)

As a verb, "duck" means to lower your head or body quickly, usually to avoid something. It can also mean to avoid a responsibility or task.

Example: "He had to duck to avoid the low-hanging branch."

Example: "She tried to duck out of doing the dishes."

15. Left-Left

• Left (Adjective)

As an adjective, "left" refers to something on or toward the side opposite of right. It’s commonly used to describe direction, position, or location.

Example: "The keys are on the left side of the table."

• Left (Verb)

When used as the past tense of the verb "leave," "left" means to have gone away from a place or to have abandoned something.

Example: "She left the party early."

16. Wave-Wave

• Wave (Noun)

The first meaning of "wave" as a noun refers to the moving water, often seen at the beach or the ocean.

Example: "The waves crashed against the shore."

• Wave (Verb)

When used as a verb, "wave" means to move your hand or arm back and forth, typically to say hello or goodbye. It can also mean something moving in a wave-like manner, such as hair or a flag.

Example: "He waved goodbye as the train pulled away."

17. Fall - Fall

• Fall (Noun)

As a noun, "fall" refers to the season between summer and winter, known for cooler weather and falling leaves.

Example: "We love going apple picking during the fall season."

• Fall (Verb)

When used as a verb, "fall" means to drop or come down from a higher position, either intentionally or by accident. It can also describe something declining or decreasing, like prices or a situation.

Example: "He slipped and fell on the icy sidewalk."

Example: "The temperature will fall drastically tonight."

18. Charge - Charge

• Charge (Noun)

"Charge" is the amount of power stored in a battery or a device. 

Example: "The phone needs a charge before it can be used again."

• Charge (Verb)

As a verb, "charge" means to attack or rush forward, or to demand payment for something.

Example: "The restaurant added a charge for delivery."

Example: "The troops charged at the enemy."

19. Kind - Kind

• Kind (Adjective)

When "kind" is used as an adjective, it refers to someone who is caring, gentle, and considerate toward others. It’s about being friendly and showing compassion.

Example: "She is always kind to everyone she meets."

• Kind (Noun)

As a noun, "kind" refers to a category or type of something. It’s used to group things that share certain characteristics.

Example: "What kind of music do you like?"

20. Type - Type

• Type (Noun)

As a noun, "type" refers to a category or classification of something, often based on shared characteristics. It’s used to group similar things together.

Example: "What type of car do you drive?"

• Type (Verb)

When used as a verb, "type" means to input text or characters using a keyboard or typewriter. It refers to the act of writing digitally or mechanically.

Example: "She types her emails quickly."

21. Mold - Mold

• Mold (Noun)

As a noun, "mold" refers to a hollow container used to shape something, usually a substance that hardens, like metal, clay, or chocolate. It can also mean a type of fungus that grows in damp environments.

Example: "The cake was baked in a round mold."

Example: "There was mold growing on the old bread."

• Mold (Verb)

As a verb, "mold" refers to influencing someone’s character or behavior.

Example: "Parents play an important role in molding their children’s values."

22. Lap - Lap

• Lap (Noun)

This refers to the upper part of your legs when sitting, where someone or something can rest. It’s the area between your waist and knees when seated.

Example: "She placed the cat on her lap while reading the book."

• Lap (Verb)

"Lap" means to drink or take in liquid, especially water, with the tongue. Animals like dogs often use this verb when drinking. It can also refer to the action of something moving over a surface in a gentle, repetitive way.

Example: "The dog lapped up the water after a long run."

23. Rose - Rose

• Rose (Noun)

This refers to the beautiful flowering plant that is often associated with love and romance. Roses come in various colors and are commonly used in gardens or as gifts.

Example: "She received a dozen red roses for her birthday."

• Rose (Verb)

"Rose" is the past tense of the verb "rise," meaning to move upward or increase in level. It refers to something that has already gone up or grown.

Example: "The sun rose early this morning, bringing a warm glow to the sky."

24. Fly - Fly

• Fly (Noun)

A "fly" is an insect known for its ability to fly and its common presence around humans. It’s small, usually black or gray, and often found buzzing around food or trash.

Example: "A fly landed on my sandwich, so I had to throw it away."

• Fly (Verb)

To "fly" means to move through the air, typically using wings. It can be used for both animals (like birds) or objects (such as airplanes).

Example: "We will fly to New York for the holidays."

25. Ball - Ball

• Ball (Noun)

A "ball" is a round object used in various games and sports, such as football, basketball, or tennis. It can be made of different materials like rubber, leather, or plastic, and is designed for throwing, hitting, or kicking.

Example: "We need a new ball for the soccer game tomorrow."

• Ball (Noun) 

A "ball" can also refer to a formal social gathering, often with dancing. It’s an event where people come together to celebrate, usually in elegant settings.

Example: "They hosted a grand ball to celebrate the anniversary."

26. Tear - Tear

• Tear (Noun)

A "tear" is a drop of salty liquid that comes from your eyes, often as a result of emotions like sadness or joy, or from irritation.

Example: "She wiped away a tear after hearing the touching news."

• Tear (Verb)

To "tear" means to rip or break something apart, usually with force. It can refer to damaging paper, fabric, or even a relationship.

Example: "Be careful not to tear the paper when you open the gift."

27. Bridge - Bridge

• Bridge (Noun)

A "bridge" is a structure built to span a physical obstacle, such as a river, road, or railway, allowing people or vehicles to cross from one side to the other.

Example: "The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark in San Francisco."

• Bridge (Verb)

To "bridge" means to connect or bring together two things, often used in a metaphorical sense, such as bridging gaps in communication or relationships.

Example: "The speaker worked hard to bridge the gap between the two conflicting parties."

28. Bark - Bark

• Bark (Noun)

"Bark" refers to the outer covering of a tree, which protects it from the environment. It’s typically rough in texture and can vary in color and pattern.

Example: "The tree's bark was covered in moss and looked very old."

• Bark (Verb)

To "bark" means to make a sharp, loud sound, usually associated with dogs. It's the noise a dog makes when it’s excited, alert, or trying to communicate.

Example: "The dog started to bark at the passing mailman."

29. Sink - Sink

• Sink (Noun)

A "sink" is a fixture typically found in kitchens or bathrooms, used for holding water, washing dishes, or other tasks. It usually has a drain at the bottom.

Example: "I need to clean the dishes in the sink."

• Sink (Verb)

To "sink" means to go down below the surface of a liquid, like water, or to gradually fall or drop to a lower position. It can also mean to become submerged or to decline in status or condition.

Example: "The boat began to sink after hitting the iceberg."

30. Content - Content

• Content (Noun)

"Content" refers to the material or substance that fills a container or space, or the information and ideas contained in something, like a book, website, or video.

Example: "The content of the article was very informative."

• Content (Adjective)

"Content" means feeling satisfied or happy with what you have, often referring to a state of peace or fulfillment.

Example: "She felt content after a long day of work, enjoying a peaceful evening at home."

31. Mine - Mine

• Mine (Pronoun)

This refers to something that belongs to the speaker, showing possession. It’s used to indicate ownership of a particular object or thing.

Example: "That book is mine, not yours."

• Mine (Noun)

A "mine" is a place where valuable minerals or resources are extracted from the earth, such as gold, coal, or diamonds. It can also refer to an explosive device buried underground.

Example: "The workers are digging for precious metals in the mine."

32. Wound - Wound

• Wound (Noun)

A "wound" is an injury to the body, typically involving a break in the skin or tissues. It can be caused by various factors, like cuts, bruises, or burns.

Example: "He had a deep wound on his arm from the accident."

• Wound (Verb - Past Tense)

"Wound" is the past tense of the verb "wind," which means to turn or twist something in a circular motion. It refers to the action of something being wrapped or coiled.

Example: "She wound the scarf around her neck several times to keep warm."

33. Ring - Ring

• Ring (Noun)

A "ring" is a small circular piece of jewelry worn on the finger, typically made of metal, and often symbolic (e.g., engagement rings or wedding rings).

Example: "She showed me the beautiful diamond ring her fiancé gave her."

• Ring (Verb)

"Ring" as a verb means to make a sound, especially a bell or telephone ringing. It refers to the action of producing a clear, resonant sound.

Example: "The phone rang just as I was about to leave."

Clear up the confusion with homonyms

Homonyms are tricky because they sound the same or look the same, but have different meanings. This can lead to confusion, especially when writing or speaking. 

But don’t worry! By focusing on writing structure and context, you can easily avoid mistakes.

When using homonyms, it's important to pay attention to the importance of grammar and context. It is important to stay mindful of how the word is being used in the sentence. 

Here’s a quick tip: If the sentence talks about a physical object, it’s probably a noun. If it’s about an action or sound, it’s likely a verb.