second reading

noun

: 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

: 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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

At a second reading next month, MPs will be given a free vote, as euthanasia is considered a matter of conscience. —

Harriet Marsden, theweek, 16 Oct. 2024 But on the second reading, usually a formality, the new rules were struck down. —

Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 2 June 2024 The legislature approved a second reading of the bill earlier this month, after protests that drew tens of thousands of people. —

TIME, 14 May 2024 On Wednesday, 83 members of Parliament — all representatives of Georgian Dream — voted to advance the bill, which will now go to a second reading. —

Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for second reading

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of second reading was in 1647

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Second reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20reading. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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