second reading

American  

noun

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

---

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)

---

Etymology

Origin of second reading

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

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

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Maybe only on second reading do we realize that we’ve been reading a kind of Dear John letter to America.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2025

He said a second reading debate would normally be a vote "just on the principles of a bill and then you deal with the implementation" at later stages.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

The ordinance will go before the City Council for a second reading and final approval in two weeks.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2025

But if we can carry thirty men into the opposition lobby on the second reading, we shall have made a demonstration which will go far to kill the bill.

From The Turnstile by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)