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

"Canvassing has a big impact," the 41-year-old told AFP in Jaszfenyszaru, a central Hungarian town long considered a stronghold of Orban's Fidesz party.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Canvassing for the Senedd election in spring 2021 came soon after the second lockdown ended.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2024

Canvassing neighborhoods and getting people to vote is a simple way to help the Culinary, Maria Orozco, 64, said, adding that the Culinary means “everything” to her.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2022

Palm Beach County Canvassing Board, to argue that state courts are not beyond the Supreme Court’s reach either.

From Washington Post • Oct. 27, 2020

Canvassing Boards.—The persons composing these boards are designated by statute.

From Studies in Civics by McCleary, J. T. (James Thompson)