verb
canvass
KAN-vuhs
Canvass (verb) means to go around asking people for their opinions, support, or votes. Example: “Volunteers canvassed the neighborhood before the election.”
verb
1
To go around asking people for their opinions, support, or votes.
"Volunteers canvassed the neighborhood before the election."
"The company canvassed customers to see what features they wanted next."
2
To examine or discuss something thoroughly.
"The committee canvassed every option before reaching a decision."
noun
1
The act of canvassing, or a survey conducted this way.
"The canvass showed strong support for the new proposal."
How to use canvass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go door-to-door or ask around gathering opinions, support, or votes.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "canvas" (the cloth) — canvass always has the double "s" and is about asking or surveying, not fabric.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
canvass voters
canvass the neighborhood
door-to-door canvass
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Word forms
- Plural
- canvasses
- Third person singular
- canvasses
- Past tense
- canvassed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Volunteers _____ the neighborhood before the election.
Etymology
Derived from "canvas" (the cloth) — originally meaning to toss someone in a canvas sheet, which extended over time to mean thoroughly testing or examining, and eventually came to mean seeking political support.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “canvass” mean?
The word “canvass” means to go around asking people for their opinions, support, or votes. In plain terms, to go door-to-door or ask around gathering opinions, support, or votes.
How do you pronounce “canvass”?
“Canvass” is pronounced KAN-vuhs (/ˈkænvəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “canvass” in a sentence?
Here is “canvass” used in a sentence: “Volunteers canvassed the neighborhood before the election.”
What part of speech is “canvass”?
Depending on how it is used, “canvass” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “canvass” have?
“Canvass” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to go around asking people for their opinions, support, or votes.
