Homonyms are defined as:

The correct definition of homonyms is that they are words that are spelled and sound alike but have different meanings. This means that homonyms can create confusion in communication because the same word can have multiple interpretations depending on the context.

For example, the word "bat" can refer to a flying mammal or a piece of sporting equipment used in baseball. Understanding homonyms is essential for effective reading and listening skills, as it allows individuals to decipher meaning from context.

While some options mention similarities or differences in sound or spelling, they do not accurately capture the essence of homonyms as words that share both their spelling and pronunciation yet differ in meaning.