reading

noun

read·​ing ˈrē-diŋ How to pronounce reading (audio)
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

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 As a fellow writer, I was impressed by the depth and breadth of his reading. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 Today, the organization that helps supply the free library with books in order to help make reading more accessible. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024 The most accurate of our picks is the Greater Goods Smart Baby Scale, which can provide readings with a margin of error of 0.1 ounces. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 State reading scores jumped 18% over the same time frame, while math scores rose 9%. Elaine Quijano, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2024 Scientists had previously disclosed that the asteroid's orbit had changed, with the new study offering the most precise readings yet on that. Fox News, 20 Mar. 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, 19 Mar. 2024 The narrative development company offers services like script writing, story reviews, and sensitivity readings. Ash Parrish, The Verge, 18 Mar. 2024 Powell also made a point of acknowledging downbeat readings of consumer sentiment. David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 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.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of reading was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near reading

Cite this Entry

“Reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reading. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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 How to pronounce Reading (audio)
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 How to pronounce Reading (audio)
1st Marquis of 1860-1935 Rufus Daniel Isaacs British statesman; viceroy of India (1921-26)

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