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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1