What defines a homonym?

A homonym is defined as words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings. This means that homonyms are unique in that they can create confusion in language usage due to their identical forms, even though they convey different ideas or concepts depending on the context in which they are used. For example, the word "bat" can refer to a flying mammal or a piece of sports equipment, illustrating this aspect of homonyms effectively.

Other definitions provided in the choices refer to different linguistic concepts. For instance, words that have the same meaning are referred to as synonyms, while words that are spelled differently but sound the same are classified as homophones. Rhyme refers to a similarity in sound at the end of words, which does not relate to spelling or meaning. Thus, the correct understanding of homonyms is crucial for grasping nuances in language and enhancing effective communication.