reading

noun

read·​ing ˈrē-diŋ 

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 of reading

• interpretation
• version
• rendition

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

There are many valid readings of this high-minded, heavy-handed modern drama of despair, desperation, love and survival instincts. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

For more finds to design a cozy corner, check out our favorite reading nook wallpaper, magazine racks, lighting, throw blankets, and more below. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026

The readings could prove particularly important after a weak jobs report complicated the Fed’s outlook. — Joseph Wilkins,lee Ying Shan,yun Li, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

The move comes a week after President Obama debuted his latest summer reading list, which featured books including Michael Pollan’s A World Appears, George Saunders’ Vigil and Colson Whitehead’s Cool Machine. — Peter White, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reading

• first reading
• light reading
• poetry reading
• reading desk
• reading frame
• reading glasses
• required reading
• second reading
• speed-reading
• third reading

Rhymes for reading

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

Kids Definition

reading

noun

read·​ing

ˈrēd-iŋ

1

: something to be read or for reading

2

: a particular version

3

: the number or fact shown on an instrument

the thermometer reading was 20 degrees

4

: an individual explanation of something

Geographical 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)