canvassing

American  

[kan-vuh-sing] / ˈkæn və sɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of soliciting votes, subscriptions, opinions, etc., especially from individuals.

   Although social media definitely impacted their campaign, it was the door-to-door canvassing that made them successful.

2. the act or process of examining or investigating something carefully, often through debate or discussion.

   As we can see from even a limited canvassing of the issues in education, the challenges we face at this time come from within and without.

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Etymology

Origin of canvassing

canvass ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Eralp said she is modeling her campaign, with its focus on door-to-door canvassing, on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Authorities are also canvassing gun shops showing the video released by the FBI to see if anyone recognizes him, according to the sheriff’s department.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

The most common way people encounter giving opportunities is in-person requests or canvassing - meaning direct appeals at homes, religious sites or public spaces, rather than digital campaigns or formal fundraising drives.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Recently, those conversations have been happening via her volunteer canvassing effort, which launched on Oct.

From Salon • Nov. 24, 2025

After canvassing the street, he’d stand on the curb’s edge and look up at the house windows.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith