reading

noun

read·​ing ˈrē-diŋ How to pronounce reading (audio)
1
: the act of reading
2
a
: material read or for reading
b
: extent of material read
3
a
: a particular version
b
: data indicated by an instrument
4
a
: a particular interpretation of something (such as a law)
b
: a particular performance of something (such as a musical work)
5
: an indication of a certain state of affairs
a study to get some reading of shoppers' preferences

Examples of reading in a Sentence

The family attended the reading of her will. The speech ended with a reading from his latest novel. After several readings, I finally understood the meaning of the poem. He needs help in reading. The teacher gave us a list of books for further reading on the subject. He has done a lot of reading on this subject. The reading for today is about human cloning. Moby-Dick is required reading for any scholar of 19th-century American literature. The pastor selected a reading for tonight's service.
Recent Examples on the Web Powell also made a point of acknowledging downbeat readings of consumer sentiment. David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience. USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024 The University of Michigan releases its preliminary reading of consumer sentiment in March. Bryan Mena, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 Awards are given at participating Vista elementary schools to students who have improved their levels in reading, writing or math based upon their report cards and teachers’ recommendations. Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 Security experts Kastle Systems, for example, publishes a weekly occupancy barometer from across its 2,600 buildings in 138 cities and currently shows a reading of only 52%. Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Although barrel accent chairs tend to take up more space because of their thick, round form, the Andover Mills Hansell Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair is the perfect size for your bedroom corner, next to your living room fireplace, or in a cozy reading nook. L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 Ndebele artists paint on various surfaces, on walls, houses, clothing, pottery, textiles, and the shapes and colors can carry cultural readings, reflecting social status and spiritual beliefs within the community. Nargess Banks, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 More:Could lawmakers' solution to the reading crisis mean your kid is held back? Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reading.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reading was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near reading

Cite this Entry

“Reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reading. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reading

noun
read·​ing
ˈrēd-iŋ
1
: something to be read or for reading
2
: a particular version
3
: the number or fact shown on an instrument
the thermometer reading was 20 degrees
4
: an individual explanation of something

Geographical Definition

Reading

geographical name

Read·​ing ˈre-diŋ How to pronounce Reading (audio)
1
town in eastern Massachusetts north of Boston population 24,747
2
city on the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania population 88,082
3
town on the Thames River in southern England that is the capital of Berkshire population 219,000

Biographical Definition

Reading

biographical name

Read·​ing ˈre-diŋ How to pronounce Reading (audio)
1st Marquis of 1860-1935 Rufus Daniel Isaacs British statesman; viceroy of India (1921-26)

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