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 bill passed through the Montana House on its second reading on January 15, by a 58-42 vote along party lines.
—
Samantha Riedel, Them, 16 Jan. 2025
If the board takes action as recommended on Jan. 8, the supervisors would need to have a second reading and adoption of ordinances amending the code, expected to occur during its Jan. 22 session.
—Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
All four pieces of legislation will head to a second reading at the Sept. 17 council meeting.
—Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Under old rules, the bill would then be eligible for a second reading and amendments two calendar days after the new bill language had been made available to members.
—Arika Herron, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024
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.
Samantha Riedel, Them, 16 Jan. 2025
If the board takes action as recommended on Jan. 8, the supervisors would need to have a second reading and adoption of ordinances amending the code, expected to occur during its Jan. 22 session.
—Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
All four pieces of legislation will head to a second reading at the Sept. 17 council meeting.
—Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Under old rules, the bill would then be eligible for a second reading and amendments two calendar days after the new bill language had been made available to members.
—Arika Herron, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for second reading
Dictionary Entries Near second reading
Cite this Entry
“Second reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20reading. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share