poll
poll Lexical Profile
poll Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A survey of public opinion conducted by questioning a representative sample of people.
"A recent opinion poll showed strong support for the new environmental policy."
The process of voting in an election, or the place where votes are cast (often used in the plural).
"Millions of citizens went to the polls early this morning to elect a new president."
The top or back of the head, especially the part of an animal's head between the ears or where the horns grow.
"The rider gently scratched the horse behind the ears and along its poll."
• verb
To record the opinion or vote of a group of people by asking them questions.
"Researchers polled over two thousand residents regarding the proposed transit expansion."
To receive a specified number or percentage of votes in an election or survey.
"The independent candidate polled surprisingly well in rural districts."
To check the status of multiple external devices or processes in sequence to see if they are ready to transmit data (in computing).
"The central server continuously polls the connected sensors for updated temperature readings."
To cut off the top of a tree or the horns of cattle.
"The groundskeepers polled the willow trees along the riverbank in late winter."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'poll' (a vote or survey) with its homophone 'pole' (a long, slender rod or either extremity of the Earth's axis).
• Rhymes for poll
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English polle ('head' or 'top of the head'), likely of Low German or Dutch origin; the sense of voting or surveying evolved from the practice of counting heads.