first reading: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, official, political, academic
Quick answer
What does “first reading” mean?
The initial presentation of a bill to a legislative body for consideration before debate and amendment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The initial presentation of a bill to a legislative body for consideration before debate and amendment.
The initial stage in a legislative process where a bill is formally introduced, its main principles are explained, and a vote is usually taken on whether it should proceed. In a non-legislative context, can refer to the initial, often cursory, review or interpretation of a text.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical in meaning and process between UK Parliament (House of Commons/Lords) and US Congress (House/Senate), though the specific procedures and traditions surrounding the stage differ. The term is capitalised more often in formal UK documents (e.g., 'First Reading').
Connotations
Strongly associated with parliamentary/democratic procedure. In both regions, it signals the start of a potentially long political process.
Frequency
Higher frequency in countries with strong parliamentary traditions (e.g., UK, Canada, Australia). In US political discourse, 'introduced' or 'referred to committee' may be more common colloquially, but 'first reading' remains the formal term.
Grammar
How to Use “first reading” in a Sentence
[Bill/Proposal/Act] + undergo/have/receive + its first reading + [in/at] + [legislative body]The + first reading + of + [bill] + take place/occur + [time phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first reading” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bill was first-read in the Commons yesterday.
- The Lords will first-read the proposed act next week.
American English
- The legislation is scheduled to be first-read in the Senate.
- They moved to first-read the amendment.
adjective
British English
- The first-reading debate is usually brief.
- He gave a first-reading speech outlining the principles.
American English
- The first-reading vote is largely procedural.
- A first-reading committee referral is standard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in relation to corporate governance or compliance with new regulations being debated in parliament.
Academic
Common in political science, law, and public administration texts discussing legislative processes.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only when discussing current political events in the news.
Technical
Core term in parliamentary procedure and legislative drafting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “first reading”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “first reading”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first reading”
- Using 'first reading' to mean 'reading something for the first time' in a formal context. Forgetting the definite article 'the' (e.g., 'The bill had first reading' is wrong; correct: 'The bill had *its* first reading' or '*the* first reading').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most modern parliamentary systems (e.g., the UK), a formal vote is not usually taken at the first reading. The bill is introduced, and its passage to the next stage (second reading) is typically agreed to without division. However, in some systems, a vote can occur.
Yes, once a bill has had its first reading, it is almost always published and becomes a public document, available through official parliamentary websites and publications.
Typically, the bill proceeds to a second reading, where its general principles are debated in detail. Between the first and second readings, it may be sent to a committee for preliminary analysis.
It is almost exclusively a political/legislative term. In very formal literary analysis, one might refer to a 'first reading' of a complex text, but this is rare. The everyday meaning is simply 'reading something for the first time'.
The initial presentation of a bill to a legislative body for consideration before debate and amendment.
First reading is usually formal, official, political, academic in register.
First reading: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈriːdɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɝːst ˈriːdɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get past first base (figurative, for passing the first reading)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of reading a book: the FIRST READING is just to see what it's about. In parliament, the FIRST READING is where they first see what the new law is about.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGISLATION IS A JOURNEY (with readings as stages). BECOMING LAW IS A BIRTH (first reading is the introduction/conception).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the 'first reading' stage in a parliamentary system?