third reading

noun

1. the final step in the consideration of a legislative bill before it is put to a vote.

third reading

noun

1. the process of discussing the committee's report on a bill

2. the final consideration of a bill

Word History and Origins

Origin of third reading¹

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

They voted by 415 to 98 to pass the bill at its third reading in the House of Commons, and it is now poised to become law.

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As the bill passed, it will now be debated further by MPs in what is called the 'committee stage', then it will be put to a vote again, called the third reading.

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The third reading of the bill was the last opportunity for MPs to approve or reject it.

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The bill was supported by a majority of MPs at third reading and will now pass to the Lords.

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After this, MPs get a a final chance to vote for or against the bill at what is known as third reading - and some may change their mind about it - after which all five stages must be repeated by peers in the House of Lords.

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