canvass

[ kan-vuhs ]

verb (used with object)

1. to solicit votes, subscriptions, opinions, or the like from.
2. to examine carefully; investigate by inquiry; discuss; debate.

   Synonyms: explore, scrutinize, analyze

verb (used without object)

1. to solicit votes, opinions, or the like.

noun

1. a soliciting of votes, orders, or the like.
2. a campaign for election to government office.
3. close inspection; scrutiny:

   the official canvass of election results.

canvass

/ ˈkænvəs /

verb

1. to solicit votes, orders, advertising, etc, from
2. to determine the feelings and opinions of (voters before an election, etc), esp by conducting a survey
3. to investigate (something) thoroughly, esp by discussion or debate
4. to inspect (votes) officially to determine their validity

noun

1. a solicitation of opinions, votes, sales orders, etc
2. close inspection; scrutiny

Derived Forms

• ˈcanvasser, noun
• ˈcanvassing, noun

Other Words From

• can·vass·er noun
• pre·can·vass verb (used with object) noun
• un·can·vassed adjective
• un·der·can·vass verb
• well-can·vassed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of canvass¹

First recorded in 1500–10; originally a spelling variant of canvas, as a verb; the sense “discuss” apparently a development of the earlier senses “toss in a canvas sheet,” and “harshly criticize”; the sense “solicit votes” is obscurely derived

Word History and Origins

Origin of canvass¹

C16: probably from obsolete sense of canvas (to toss someone in a canvas sheet, hence, to harass, criticize); the development of current senses is unexplained

Example Sentences

We kept hoping there would be a different suggestion, but the answer kept coming back: canvass in Pennsylvania, the swing state nearest to our home in Massachusetts.

From Salon

“Doctors have come out to canvass, and do door knocks with my campaign, because they know that I will support them because this affects the doctor's ability to do good health care.”

From Salon

Adele Walker, who owns an antique store in Selma, North Carolina, is a lifelong Republican, but this is her first year volunteering to canvass.

From BBC

I canvassed to promote eco-friendly living and educated residents on how to compost at home.

From Los Angeles Times

Bass and commissioners have in recent months embarked on a citywide listening tour to canvass residents, officers and business owners about what they want to see in the next chief.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitate
• consult
• inspect
• scrutinize
• solicit