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

Council member Hillary Shields, who was absent from that meeting, attended Tuesday’s session and voted against the proposal on its second reading. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026

The ban has not yet taken effect but will after a second reading at the city council’s September meeting. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

The other would require the home on one lot (and possibly both) follow certain architectural designs to be designated during second reading. — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Douglas County There will be a second reading on Tuesday afternoon for the operation of these vehicles. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 23 June 2026

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