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
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
Olivia Dean, meanwhile, performed, and readings were done by William, 42, as well as actors including Richard E. Grant.
—
Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
If that doesn't seem like enough reading material on its own, the series is also set in the same overarching universe that many of Sanderson's books share, dubbed the Cosmere.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
This, juxtaposed with the decline in basic math, reading and critical thinking skills, should be enough to give college admissions officers and hiring managers pause.
—Bonnie Kleffman, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
This might involve taking a walk, exercising, meditating, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reading 
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Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
If that doesn't seem like enough reading material on its own, the series is also set in the same overarching universe that many of Sanderson's books share, dubbed the Cosmere.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
This, juxtaposed with the decline in basic math, reading and critical thinking skills, should be enough to give college admissions officers and hiring managers pause.
—Bonnie Kleffman, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
This might involve taking a walk, exercising, meditating, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reading
Articles Related to reading
Dictionary Entries Near reading
Cite this Entry
“Reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reading. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationGeographical 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)
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