reading

noun read·ing \ ˈrē-diŋ \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Examples: reading in a Sentence

Definition of reading

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

See reading defined for English-language learners

See reading defined for kids

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 of reading from the Web

Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected a reading of 98.0.

— josh mitchell, WSJ, "U.S. Consumer Sentiment Dips Due to Tariff Concerns," 13 July 2018
To get a good reading on the camera, a box to constrict light is necessary.

— allison barrie, Fox News, "Innovative project harnesses Legos and smartphones in the fight against invisible, deadly weapons," 13 July 2018
Satisfied with a reading of 133, Danny began to stretch.

— david haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Operating on Danny Farquhar's brain didn't change what was in White Sox pitcher's heart," 12 July 2018
The sisters also will give a free reading on Monday, July 16, at 5:30 p.m., at UConn Barnes & Noble bookstore, 1 Royce Circle, Storrs (Information: 860-486-8525).

— hartford courant, courant.com, "Write Stuff: Charles Monagan Kicks Off CT Authors Trail, Avon's Author Fest Continues," 11 July 2018
But that patience has yet to translate to his reading of pitches, as Hernandez’s strikeout rate (28.7 percent) remains sky-high and his walk rate (6.7 percent) is almost as poor.

— ben pope, Philly.com, "Phillies prospect Jan Hernandez hopes all-star selection puts him 'on the map'," 11 July 2018
Take a reading from the compass and then turn on the device.

— rhett allain, WIRED, "Can Your Electronic Gadgets Interfere With Your Compass?," 10 July 2018
Godparents Lucy Middleton and Guy Pelly will each do a reading.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "See the Royal Family of 5! Will, Kate, George and Charlotte Arrive at Prince Louis' Christening," 9 July 2018
Hundreds of revelers gathered downtown on Wednesday morning near the Old State House to witness one of the city’s annual Independence Day traditions: a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and a short parade.

— andres picon, BostonGlobe.com, "Hundreds gather for reading of the Declaration of Independence and parade at Old State House," 4 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reading.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.