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 measure will come back for a second reading on the regular agenda on June 9’s city council meeting. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026

The Solana Beach City Council approved a second reading May 27 of an ordinance that outlines the types of structures that are allowed in public spaces used for outdoor dining. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

The ordinance, which still needs a second reading before finalization, includes where the bikes can be operated, minor safety requirements, equipment requirements and enforcement. —Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026

According to the township clerk, a second reading and a public hearing to discuss the parking permits is set for next Monday's meeting. —Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 14 Apr. 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