reading
REE-dihng
Reading (noun) means the activity of looking at and understanding written text. Example: “Reading before bed helps her relax.”
noun
1
The activity of looking at and understanding written text.
"Reading before bed helps her relax."
"Reading is her favourite way to spend a rainy afternoon."
"Children's reading improves when they practise a little every day."
2
A particular interpretation of a text, situation, or event.
"His reading of the contract differs from ours."
"My reading of her silence was that she disagreed with the plan."
"Critics offered a very different reading of the film's ending."
3
A value shown by a measuring instrument.
"The thermometer reading was 38 degrees."
"The gauge reading showed that the tyre pressure was too low."
"Check the meter reading at the end of each month."
4
An event at which written work, such as poetry or scripture, is read aloud to an audience.
"The author gave a reading from her new novel."
"Tickets for the poetry reading at the library sold out quickly."
"We went to a reading where three local writers shared their stories."
How to use reading
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of reading, an interpretation of something, or a measurement shown on a device.
Common pairings
reading list
thermometer reading
poetry reading
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Word forms
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_____ before bed helps her relax.
Etymology
From Old English rǣding, formed from "read" plus "-ing."
Synonyms
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perusal
study
poring over
scanning
comprehension
version
indication
recital
recitation
meter reading
interpretation
reading material
Related words
Rhymes for reading
wading
fading
heading
trading
leading
loading
shading
pleading
treading
parading
spreading
uploading
See all rhymes for reading →
Frequently asked questions
What does “reading” mean?
The word “reading” means the activity of looking at and understanding written text. In plain terms, the act of reading, an interpretation of something, or a measurement shown on a device.
How do you pronounce “reading”?
“Reading” is pronounced REE-dihng (/ˈɹiːdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “reading” in a sentence?
Here is “reading” used in a sentence: “Reading before bed helps her relax.”
What part of speech is “reading”?
“Reading” is a noun.
Where does the word “reading” come from?
The word “reading” comes from Old English. From Old English rǣding, formed from "read" plus "-ing.".
Is “reading” a common word?
“Reading” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “reading” have?
“Reading” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the activity of looking at and understanding written text.
What is the difference between reading and literacy?
Reading is the act of making sense of written text. Literacy is broader: the overall ability to read and write and to use those skills effectively in daily life. Reading is one component of literacy. A literate person can read, but literacy also takes in writing and comprehension across many contexts.
Can reading be taught?
Yes. Reading is a learned skill, not an instinct, and it is taught through methods such as phonics, which links letters to sounds, and whole-language approaches, which recognise words in context. Most people learn as children, but adults can learn too. Regular practice steadily builds fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
What are the types of reading?
Common types include skimming, reading quickly for the gist; scanning, hunting for specific information; intensive reading, close and detailed study; and extensive reading, reading widely for pleasure or general understanding. Readers switch between these depending on their purpose and the kind of text in front of them.
Why is reading important?
Reading unlocks information, education, and independence. It builds vocabulary, knowledge, and critical thinking, and is essential for study, work, and everyday tasks from road signs to contracts. Beyond the practical, reading for pleasure sharpens focus, empathy, and imagination, and is linked to better mental wellbeing.
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