What does homograph mean?
A homograph is a word that has the same spelling as another word but is pronounced differently and usually has a different meaning. Familiar examples include “lead,” pronounced /liːd/ in “lead the team” and /lɛd/ in “a lead pipe,” and “read,” which changes between /riːd/ and /rɛd/ according to context. Homographs are especially useful for understanding why spelling alone may not tell a reader or listener how a word should be pronounced or what it means. The term is related to, but more specific than, “homonym,” which can refer more broadly to words sharing the same form. It should also be distinguished from “homophone,” a word with the same pronunciation as another. In modern English, homographs are common in vocabulary learning because their meanings and pronunciation patterns often depend heavily on context.
nounA word that has the same spelling as another word but a different pronunciation and usually a different meaning. In some contexts, the term is used more broadly for words sharing a spelling regardless of pronunciation.
- A word sharing its spelling with another word but differing in pronunciation and usually meaning.
"The words “record” and “minute” are homographs because they can be pronounced differently while retaining the same spelling."
"The entry on “bow” explains one of several homographs in the language."
"Listeners may not realize that “tear” and “tear” are homographs until the surrounding context reveals the intended pronunciation."
The plural is used when referring to multiple words or word pairs with the same spelling.
"The dictionary explains several English homographs that are difficult for learners."
Lead and read are classic homographs: the same spellings can represent different sounds, and the pronunciation helps determine the intended meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homograph come from?
The word entered English in the 19th century from the Greek adjective hómoios, meaning “same,” and the combining form -graph, ultimately from graphein, meaning “to write.” Its development reflects the early scientific practice of comparing written forms in philology and linguistics. The same elements appear in cognates such as homographic and homography, while the related Greek root homo- also underlies words such as homogeneous.
Related word forms
How homograph is actually used
In standard linguistic use, a homograph has the same spelling as another word but generally differs in pronunciation. Some dictionaries use the term more loosely to include words with identical spelling and pronunciation but different meanings, so context can affect the precise distinction from “homophone” and “homonym.”
Easily confused with homograph
A homograph shares its spelling with another word, whereas a homophone shares its pronunciation.
A homonym is a broader term for a word with the same form as another word, while a homograph specifically emphasizes shared spelling.