first reading

American  

noun

Parliamentary Procedure.

1. the reading of a bill when it is first introduced in a legislative body.

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first reading British  

noun

1. the introduction of a bill in a legislative assembly

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Etymology

Origin of first reading

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

first reading

In fact, when I was first reading it, I wasn’t sure whether Simon was killed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

South Korea’s headline inflation accelerated in March—the first reading since the Middle East conflict began—highlighting the early effects of surging energy costs on the trade-reliant economy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 5, 2026

A closely watched home price index will release its first reading for 2026 on Tuesday.

From Barron's ● Mar. 30, 2026

Irving is the writer who made me want to be a writer, and I have read and cherished his books since first reading this masterpiece as a young man.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 8, 2026

“This is where the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation took place in the South,” I’d tell the girls in a voice I’d lower to a whisper to reflect my reverence of the place.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson