canvass
canvass Lexical Profile
canvass Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To solicit votes, political support, or commercial orders from people or across a district.
"Volunteers spent the weekend canvassing local neighborhoods ahead of the municipal election."
To question or survey a group of people in order to ascertain their opinions or sentiments.
"The committee canvassed faculty members to gauge their reaction to the proposed curriculum changes."
To examine, discuss, or debate a proposal, issue, or body of evidence thoroughly.
"The review panel canvassed several alternative funding models before reaching a final recommendation."
• noun
A systematic solicitation of votes, opinions, or orders from a group of people or a specific district.
"A door-to-door canvass of the neighborhood revealed widespread support for the new library."
American An official examination and verification of the votes cast in an election.
"The county election board completed its official canvass of the absentee ballots on Friday."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'canvass' (spelled with a double 's'), which means to solicit votes, opinions, or examine thoroughly, with its homophone 'canvas' (spelled with a single 's'), which refers to a heavy, coarse woven fabric used for sails, tents, and oil paintings.
• Rhymes for canvass
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in the early 16th century as a verb derived from the noun 'canvas', it originally meant 'to toss someone in a canvas sheet' as punishment or sport, which metaphorically evolved into 'to shake out, sift, or examine thoroughly'.