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
From the first reading, the excitement was just off the charts.
—
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
The ordinance in Stone Mountain has only had its first reading.
—Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 23 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
See All Example Sentences for first reading
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.
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
The ordinance in Stone Mountain has only had its first reading.
—Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 23 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
See All Example Sentences for first reading
Cite this Entry
“First reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20reading. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
