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

The 4-2 vote on second reading Tuesday opens the door for the public-private partnership between Lebanon and Wilson Farms 109, which is developing the land where the future Walmart is approved just south of Interstate 40. —Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

The budget and property tax rate could still change before a second reading and vote. —Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 11 June 2025

The ordinance with the modifications is now pending a second reading at the next council meeting, followed by final approval by the Coastal Commission. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025

But despite the bill passing its second reading on Tuesday evening, 49 Labour MPs showed their continued disagreement, voting no against it, even with the concessions made. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 2 July 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