Definitions

1. noun

A word that is spelled the same but has more than one distinct meaning, often with different pronunciations.

“The word ‘bow’ is a heteronym because it can refer to either the front of a ship or the act of bending at the waist.”

2. noun

A word that is pronounced differently but has the same spelling as another word, often with different meanings.

“The word ‘lead’ is a heteronym because it can be pronounced as /lɛd/ (a heavy metal) or /liːd/ (to guide).”