1
: the act of reading
2
a
: material read or for reading
b
: extent of material read
3
a
: a particular version
b
: data indicated by an instrument
4
a
: a particular interpretation of something (such as a law)
b
: a particular performance of something (such as a musical work)
5
: an indication of a certain state of affairs
a study to get some reading of shoppers' preferences
Synonyms
Examples of reading in a Sentence
The family attended the reading of her will.
The speech ended with a reading from his latest novel.
After several readings, I finally understood the meaning of the poem.
He needs help in reading.
The teacher gave us a list of books for further reading on the subject.
He has done a lot of reading on this subject.
The reading for today is about human cloning.
Moby-Dick is required reading for any scholar of 19th-century American literature.
The pastor selected a reading for tonight's service.
Recent Examples on the Web
The four screenplays, selected via a blind reading process by industry insiders, are Blue Comedy by Vincent Lee Accettola, Little Phnom Penh by Chheangkea, Rubber Hut by Hanna Gray Organschi and Satoshi by Sara Crow and David Rafailedes.
—
Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024
As to whether the statute could be used against Trump if the court interprets the statute narrowly, special counsel Jack Smith contends that documents involving the former president's fake elector scheme do, even under Trump's reading, provide the necessary link under the statute.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 16 Apr. 2024
With cozy reading nooks, tons of graphic novels, and beautiful new releases, our staff can find the perfect fit for any age.
—USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
This multimedia method of reading creates quick little shots of prose that can loosen the writing gears.
—Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2024
That also marked the highest reading in half a year.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024
Here’s some essential reading: 5 tips for cooking juicy pork chops quickly
6 tips for browning food to get more flavor
7 pie crust tips for tender, flaky results every time
Baking spices add complexity to savory dishes.
—Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
The eclipse offers researchers a unique opportunity, because scientists will know exactly when and where to fire their rockets to get the best readings, NASA said.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
One postcard, for example, included a family photograph alongside a secret reading, My brother doesn’t realize his father isn’t the same as our father.
—Hazlitt, 3 Apr. 2024
Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024
As to whether the statute could be used against Trump if the court interprets the statute narrowly, special counsel Jack Smith contends that documents involving the former president's fake elector scheme do, even under Trump's reading, provide the necessary link under the statute.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 16 Apr. 2024
With cozy reading nooks, tons of graphic novels, and beautiful new releases, our staff can find the perfect fit for any age.
—USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
This multimedia method of reading creates quick little shots of prose that can loosen the writing gears.
—Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2024
That also marked the highest reading in half a year.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024
Here’s some essential reading: 5 tips for cooking juicy pork chops quickly
6 tips for browning food to get more flavor
7 pie crust tips for tender, flaky results every time
Baking spices add complexity to savory dishes.
—Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
The eclipse offers researchers a unique opportunity, because scientists will know exactly when and where to fire their rockets to get the best readings, NASA said.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
One postcard, for example, included a family photograph alongside a secret reading, My brother doesn’t realize his father isn’t the same as our father.
—Hazlitt, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reading.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Dictionary Entries Near reading
Cite this Entry
“Reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reading. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationGeographical Definition
Reading
geographical name
Read·ing
ˈre-diŋ 
1
town in eastern Massachusetts north of Boston population 24,747
2
city on the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania population 88,082
3
town on the Thames River in southern England that is the capital of Berkshire population 219,000
Biographical Definition
Reading
biographical name
Read·ing
ˈre-diŋ
1st Marquis of 1860-1935 Rufus Daniel Isaacs British statesman; viceroy of India (1921-26)
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