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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Tuesday was the ordinance’s first reading. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 The City Council was scheduled to hold the first reading of the ordinance May 13. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The council on Monday gave a first reading to an ordinance that would raise the motor vehicle excise tax and the municipal wheel tax. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 On a first reading, the stark ending seems anticlimactic. Mary Foskett, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 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 25 Apr. 2026.

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