reading

noun

read·​ing ˈrē-diŋ How to pronounce reading (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web In contrast, the bill's supporters said vouchers were an end to the status quo of education in Arkansas, which supporters say has failed countless students with many reading below grade level. Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2023 The weight of the snow pushes some of the fluid up through a tube, giving a reading that approximated the snow’s water content. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2023 The temperature also hit 81 degrees on Feb. 23, the second-earliest calendar day with an 80-degree reading on record. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2023 After the 4-1 victory over Cuba, the players celebrated Purim with a reading of the Megillah in the dugout. Linda Chase, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2023 What do book bans do to our relationship with reading? David Oliver, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2023 The iconic British actor, 83, surprised those present at the S.S. Daley Autumn/Winter 2023 show Sunday night by striding out to open the event, giving a dramatic reading of the poem The Coming of Arthur by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Wendy Geller, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2023 The average price drop in February was 6% — down from 8% in December, and tied with November’s reading. Anna Bahney, CNN, 15 Feb. 2023 Stuffed with charts and graphs and photos spread across two pages (all in black and white, a curious design choice), the book is sure to educate anyone who gives it an honest reading. Rob Merrill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2023 See More

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.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reading was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near reading

Cite this Entry

“Reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reading. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

reading

noun
read·​ing
ˈrēd-iŋ
1
: something to be read or for reading
2
: a particular version
3
: the number or fact shown on an instrument
the thermometer reading was 20 degrees
4
: an individual explanation of something

Geographical Definition

Reading

geographical name

Read·​ing ˈre-diŋ How to pronounce Reading (audio)
1
town in eastern Massachusetts north of Boston population 24,747
2
city on the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania population 88,082
3
town on the Thames River in southern England that is the capital of Berkshire population 219,000

Biographical Definition

Reading

biographical name

Read·​ing ˈre-diŋ How to pronounce Reading (audio)
1st Marquis of 1860-1935 Rufus Daniel Isaacs British statesman; viceroy of India (1921-26)

More from Merriam-Webster on reading

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY