canvass

American  

[kan-vuhs] / ˈkæn vəs /

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a solicitation of opinions, votes, sales orders, etc

2. close inspection; scrutiny

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of canvass

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

Explanation

A canvass is a poll, usually a political one. Around elections, political parties often canvass particular neighborhoods, looking for votes and trying to measure the pulse of the people. You might think of canvass as the heavy cotton cloth that is pronounced the same although spelled with only one s, that is, canvas. Canvas is used to cover things, and a canvass serves the same sort of purpose. Before elections, politicians want to cover their neighborhoods and districts with canvasses, campaign workers, flyers and the like in hopes of securing votes.

Example Sentences

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's wardrobe is more than a statement of style; it has become known as a canvass for her political message of advancing women's and Indigenous rights.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

The job was considered difficult; they canvass the entire country for immigrants who are here without legal status, and do so with too few resources.

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2025

“I canvass 80% of the time in Spanish,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2024

“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 • Oct. 31, 2024

The junior members of the Housewives’ League are mentored and taught how to canvass and sign up new members.

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

Related Words

• agitate
• consult
• inspect
• scrutinize
• solicit