canvasser

American  

[kan-vuhs-er] / ˈkæn vəs ər /

noun

1. a person who solicits votes, subscriptions, donations, opinions, or the like, especially by phone or door-to-door.

   Besides raising funds, canvassers also leave important information for residents regarding heart health.

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Etymology

Origin of canvasser

First recorded in 1595–1605, for an earlier sense; 1790–1800, for the current sense; canvass ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

One canvasser, Timothy Nikonorov, explained that he had been an active volunteer with Mamdani’s campaign before becoming a frequent canvasser for Park, and an occasional canvassing lead.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

She’s paired up with a first-time canvasser, Michael, a twentysomething from Queens who declined to give his last name.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

The Salvadoran immigrant said he previously worked as a canvasser for the City Council campaigns of De León and Herb Wesson, and volunteered on others.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2024

“What’s happening there is terrifying — to see kids dying, it’s just sad,” Mr. Gazzaley, whose family moved to the United States five years ago from Yemen, said as he chatted with the canvasser.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2024

It was election time, we learn, and the high post of political canvasser of the Syrian District was offered to Khalid for a consideration of––but the letter which Shakib happily preserved, we give in full.

From The Book of Khalid by Rihani, Ameen Fares