What are homonyms?

Homonyms are defined as words that sound alike but have different meanings. This means that two words can have the same pronunciation yet refer to entirely different concepts or objects, creating potential confusion in communication unless the context makes the meaning clear. For example, the word "bat" can refer to a flying mammal or a piece of sports equipment used in baseball, illustrating how the same sound can represent different ideas.

The clarity of this definition makes it evident why this answer is the most appropriate choice among the available options. Each homonym relies heavily on context for proper interpretation, which serves as a significant aspect of understanding language and communication.