canvass
verb (used with object)
to solicit votes, subscriptions, opinions, or the like from.
was canvassing
-
past progressiveof canvass.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Charlie Zhang, 30, a charity fundraiser who was canvassing for donations near Bar Roma, said he was trying to bounce back after getting into credit-card debt and declaring bankruptcy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
The Behn campaign also was canvassing in deep red Williamson County, a prosperous jurisdiction which has become the bedrock of the modern Republican Party.
From Slate ● Dec. 2, 2025
In Nashville, Will Compton of the nonprofit Open Table Nashville, which helps homeless people, was canvassing downtown for people in need of supplies or rides to warming centers or shelters.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 18, 2024
Sinn Fein member and hospitality worker Michelle Davidson, 44, was canvassing for the party in north Belfast last week.
From Washington Post ● May 2, 2022
By Jove, up to that time, I thought she was canvassing for a book!
From The Haunted Pajamas by Francis Perry Elliott
