third reading

American  

noun

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

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third reading British  

noun

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

2. the final consideration of a bill

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Etymology

Origin of third reading

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

It must pass a second and third reading before becoming law.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

The government won the vote at the so-called third reading of the bill in the House of Commons by 289 votes to 230.

From Reuters • Apr. 26, 2023

The Online Safety Bill is still making its way through Parliament and is due a third reading in the Commons.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2022

Senators are set to meet Friday afternoon for a third reading of the bill, which some complained was not vetted in any of the chamber’s committees.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2022

After my third reading of The Well of Loneliness I became a bleeding heart for the downtrodden misunderstood lesbians.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou