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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On a first reading, the stark ending seems anticlimactic. Mary Foskett, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026 The ordinance was introduced by Councilmember Carolina Chavez and renamed at her request during the first reading on March 3. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 The Park Ridge Committee of the Whole of the City Council passed the first reading of a plastic bag ban for large retail stores at the March 2 meeting. Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 The board approved first reading of the annexation along with a preliminary development plan and a conditional use permit to allow triplex buildings at its Tuesday night meeting. Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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