verb

canvass

KAN-vuhs

verb

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."

To examine or discuss something thoroughly.

"The committee canvassed every option before reaching a decision."

noun

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 notes

In 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

canvas →

Common pairings

canvass voters canvass the neighborhood door-to-door canvass

Word Forms

canvassed past tense, canvasses plural, canvasses singular

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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.