List of Common Homonyms in English
Homonyms are words that sound the same (and often look the same) but have different
meanings. They can be tricky, but learning them helps improve both vocabulary and
listening skills. Here is a list of common English homonyms with their meanings:
Word Meaning 1 Meaning 2
Lie To rest (e.g. lie down) To say something untrue
Bat An animal A tool used in sports like
baseball
Well In good health A deep hole to get water
Ring A piece of jewelry The sound a bell makes
Bark The sound a dog makes The outer layer of a tree
Right Correct Direction (opposite of left)
Left Direction Past of 'leave'
Match A small stick that makes fire A game or competition
Watch A small clock on your wrist To look at something
carefully
Can Able to A metal container
Tire To become tired Part of a car (rubber wheel)
Rock A stone A type of music
Current Flow of water or electricity Happening now
Bear An animal To carry or endure
something
Spring A season To jump or leap
Date A fruit A romantic meeting or a
calendar day
Kind Nice or caring A type or category
Seal An animal To close something tightly
Wave A hand gesture A movement of water
Bank A place to keep money The side of a river
Bass A type of fish A low musical sound
Bow Front of a ship To bend forward (or a tied
ribbon)
Capital A city Money
Cell A small room A unit in biology
Club A social group A heavy stick or weapon
Die To stop living A cube used in games
Fan An air blower A supporter of a team
Fair Just or light-skinned An event or carnival
File Folder of documents A tool for smoothing
Fine Good or okay A penalty or fee
Fly An insect To move through the air
Grave Serious A burial place
Jam Fruit spread A traffic problem
Key Used to open locks Very important (key idea)
Letter A written message A character of the alphabet
Light Not heavy Bright or not dark
Nail A part of the body A small metal fastener
Palm A tree The inside of your hand
Pen A writing tool An animal enclosure
Pitcher A jug A baseball player
Pound A unit of weight To hit something hard
Racket Noise A tennis tool
Rose A flower Past of 'rise'
Row A line of things A fight or argument
Stalk A plant stem To follow secretly
Suit A formal outfit A legal case
Trip A journey To stumble or fall
Wound An injury Past of 'wind'
