second reading

noun

1

: the stage in the British legislative process following the first reading and usually providing for debate on the principal features of a bill before its submission to a committee for consideration of details

2

: the stage in the U.S. legislative process that occurs when a bill has been reported back from committee and that provides an opportunity for full debate and amendment before a vote is taken on the question of a third reading

Examples of second reading in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Backed by Representatives Ken King (Republican) and Penny Morales Shaw (Democrat), the bipartisan measure advanced through committee the previous week and passed on second reading with a 118-16 vote. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

The council approved rezoning for Ladybug Laundry on second reading. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025

The City Council adopted an ADU ordinance in December 2023, and voted on April 21 to accept modifications requested by the California Coastal Commission, with a second reading scheduled for the May 5 council meeting. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2025

Meyer asked for the second reading to be waived on this grocery tax proposal, then trustees approved it on a 5-0 vote. —Elizabeth Owens-Schiele, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for second reading

• bedding
• dreading
• heading
• shedding
• shredding
• sledding
• spreading
• threading
• treading
• wedding
• beheading
• embedding