homonyms

Cultural

Two words that sound alike and may even be spelled alike but have different meanings, such as trunk (meaning part of an elephant) and trunk (meaning a storage chest). Often used with the same meaning as homophone.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

homonyms

However, some awareness of homonyms and their multiple meanings will help ensure that your language is precise.

From Textbooks ● Dec. 21, 2021

Can I assume it was intended to demonstrate the difference between heteronyms and homonyms by placing it adjacent to John Ficarra’s hilarious essay?

From Washington Post ● May 28, 2021

A young man biked around the court wearing a pig mask and military hat, referencing homonyms for the accused TV host’s name.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 4, 2020

The homonyms apparently provide for a cheeky play on words for students at the University of Memphis, a state school in the same southern city.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2020

This is because POE and Poe are homonyms, which means they are two different words that are pronounced the same way.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023