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

Other Word Forms

• canvasser noun
• precanvass verb (used with object)
• uncanvassed adjective
• undercanvass verb
• well-canvassed adjective
• canvassing noun

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

The letter claimed the woman would “canvass the progress of The Gates Foundation Program in three African Nations” for Enhanced Education’s continued operations in Africa and that all her expenses were covered.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Proposals to address concerns over trade -- as China leads a push against "unilateral" measures and the EU's carbon price on imports in particular -- were also canvassed.

Read more on Barron's

A consultation on the changes had canvassed views on capping costs at up to 30% above the face value of a ticket.

Read more on BBC

Forte, who is from Manhattan, has canvassed for Cuomo in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, an enclave of Russians, Ukrainians and other former Soviet countries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Rand’s researchers, who canvass the three neighborhoods every two months, found that the shortfalls coincide with an increase in the percentage of people “sleeping rough,” without the protection of a vehicle or tent.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitate 
• consult 
• inspect 
• scrutinize 
• solicit