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
The regulations are now pending a second reading next month and approval by the California Coastal Commission, expected in July.
—
Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
In Spanish, Ruiz began with the second reading, when Roman officials make Jesus take up the cross as a criminal with observers looking on, according to the Bible.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
The bill to create the contract and compliance oversight board passed on second reading Tuesday night.
—Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 19 June 2024
Backed by Representatives Ken King (Republican) and Penny Morales Shaw (Democrat), the bipartisan measure advanced through committee the previous week and passed on second reading with a 118-16 vote.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for second reading
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
In Spanish, Ruiz began with the second reading, when Roman officials make Jesus take up the cross as a criminal with observers looking on, according to the Bible.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
The bill to create the contract and compliance oversight board passed on second reading Tuesday night.
—Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 19 June 2024
Backed by Representatives Ken King (Republican) and Penny Morales Shaw (Democrat), the bipartisan measure advanced through committee the previous week and passed on second reading with a 118-16 vote.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for second reading
Cite this Entry
“Second reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20reading. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share