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

A third reading of the bill was scheduled for Wednesday, but the government has confirmed the remaining stages will now take place next Monday, allowing time for amendments to be considered.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

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

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