second reading

noun

1

: the stage in the British legislative process following the first reading and usually providing for debate on the principal features of a bill before its submission to a committee for consideration of details

2

: the stage in the U.S. legislative process that occurs when a bill has been reported back from committee and that provides an opportunity for full debate and amendment before a vote is taken on the question of a third reading

Examples of second reading in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ballot measure will come before supervisors again next month for a second reading. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

According to the township clerk, a second reading and a public hearing to discuss the parking permits is set for next Monday's meeting. —Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Michael Herbers came before the council on behalf of Cap Dev LLC for the rezoning request’s second reading. —Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

Earlier this month, city commissioners voted 6-1 to move forward with the ordinance change ahead of a second reading to be held at a later date. —Megan Vaz, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for second reading

• bedding
• dreading
• heading
• shedding
• shredding
• sledding
• spreading
• threading
• treading
• wedding
• beheading
• embedding