first reading

noun

: the first submitting of a bill before a quorum of a legislative assembly usually by title or number only

Examples of first reading in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This bill also passed the Senate and has had a first reading in the Assembly but no further action. Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 On Tuesday, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved the first reading of a draft ordinance that bans parking on Highway 1 about 900 feet north of the bridge and 700 feet south of the bridge. Tim Fang, CBS News, 10 June 2026 As of May 29, the bill had its first reading in the California Senate. Noe Padilla, USA Today, 29 May 2026 Their first readings took place in 2017, first at a Los Angeles dance studio without air conditioning and then later that year at The Sorting Room at the Wallis and Dynasty Typewriter. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for first reading

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first reading was in 1571

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Cite this Entry

“First reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20reading. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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