reading

noun

read·​ing ˈrē-diŋ 

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

Synonyms of reading

• interpretation
• version
• rendition

Examples of reading in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Like the reading, this anthology finds its form through Adnan’s life, pulling her devotees into a chorus of voices. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience. — Usa Today, USA Today, 7 July 2026

From affairs and addiction to behind-the-scenes feuds and Hollywood bombshells, these stars told all for our reading pleasure. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026

Digital moisture meters can connect to apps for real-time monitoring, while analog models offer less precise readings. — Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing reading

• first reading
• light reading
• poetry reading
• reading desk
• reading frame
• reading glasses
• required reading
• second reading
• speed-reading
• third reading

Rhymes for reading

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

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 

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 

1st Marquis of 1860-1935 Rufus Daniel Isaacs British statesman; viceroy of India (1921-26)