second reading

American  

noun

1. the stage in the consideration of a legislative bill that provides an opportunity for debate and amendment.

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second reading British  

noun

1. the second presentation of a bill in a legislative assembly, as to approve its general principles (in Britain), or to discuss a committee's report on it (in the US)

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Etymology

Origin of second reading

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

second reading

It will now face parliamentary review before it can return to parliament for a second reading.

From Barron's ● Oct. 5, 2026

There were emotional scenes outside Parliament from both sides after MPs voted against giving the bill a second reading.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

A bill co-authored by Zhelezniak is awaiting its second reading in Parliament after winning a first vote in July.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

The unicameral National Assembly unanimously backed the mining law on its second reading, assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez announced.

From Barron's ● Apr. 9, 2026

On the 30th of December he moved to the second reading of Strode’s bill for annual parliaments.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various