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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Politician David Seymour shared his support of the bill during the first reading of the amendment. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025 The Porter Town Council Tuesday gave a first reading to an ordinance that re-establishes the ground rules for the board. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025 The song goes back to 1965, predating my first reading of the script in 1985. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025 The Bastrop City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved on first reading an ordinance that requires pet owners within the city limits to microchip their pet and register it with the city. Aaron Sullivan, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 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 9 Sep. 2025.

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