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

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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

In 2024, more than 160 MPs indicated they wanted to speak during the second reading debate on Leadbeater's bill but fewer have asked to speak this time.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 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

It passed the House of Commons, but was thrown out by the House of Lords on the second reading on the 8th of September 1893.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 1 "Gichtel, Johann" to "Glory" by Various

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