straw poll

British  

noun

1. an unofficial poll or vote taken to determine the opinion of a group or the public on some issue

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straw poll Cultural  

1. Originally, a small, informal opinion survey. Today, a straw poll is generally a large-scale, scientifically determined public opinion survey based on a random sample of the population. Straw polls are commonly used to test public opinion of candidates running for office.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

straw poll

The third- and second-place candidates in the Aug. 21 straw poll could be promising.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

The campaign for the next United Nations secretary-general is under way, and the latest straw poll of Security Council members has three South or Central Americans on top.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

That first "straw poll" will be followed by an unspecified number of similar votes until one candidate can secure the required nine votes without a veto from any of the five permanent members.

From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026

A quick straw poll among the team here in our office also suggested this is the case - with most school parent groups having only a handful of male members.

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2025

Forti said it was thought there would be another straw poll at the end of the UN signature high-level week, though that is unconfirmed.

From Barron's

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