noun
Common
poll
pohl
Poll (noun) means a survey that asks people questions to gauge public opinion. Example: “According to a recent poll, most residents want a new library in the town centre.”
noun
1
A survey that asks people questions to gauge public opinion.
"According to a recent poll, most residents want a new library in the town centre."
"The latest poll shows the two candidates neck and neck."
"A quick poll of the office found most people prefer working from home on Fridays."
2
A formal vote, or the place where voting happens.
"The club held a poll to choose the new captain."
"The polls close at ten, so please go and vote soon."
"Voters lined up outside the polls before dawn."
verb
1
To ask a group of people for their opinions or votes, or to record such results.
"The teacher polled the class to find out which trip they would like best."
"Before the meeting, the committee polled its members by email."
"Researchers polled a thousand adults about their spending habits."
How to use poll
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAsking a group of people for their opinion or vote, and the resulting count.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "pole" (a long rod, or the North/South Pole) — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
opinion poll
exit poll
poll the audience
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Word forms
- Plural
- polls
- Third person singular
- polls
- Past tense
- polled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
According to a recent _____, most residents want a new library in the town centre.
Etymology
From Middle English polle, meaning "head" or "scalp" — voting by "head count" gave the word its modern sense of counting opinions.
Related words
Rhymes for poll
See all rhymes for poll →Frequently asked questions
What does “poll” mean?
The word “poll” means a survey that asks people questions to gauge public opinion. In plain terms, asking a group of people for their opinion or vote, and the resulting count.
How do you pronounce “poll”?
“Poll” is pronounced pohl (/poʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “poll” in a sentence?
Here is “poll” used in a sentence: “The latest poll shows the two candidates neck and neck.”
What part of speech is “poll”?
Depending on how it is used, “poll” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “poll” come from?
The word “poll” comes from Middle English. From Middle English polle, meaning "head" or "scalp" — voting by "head count" gave the word its modern sense of counting opinions.
Is “poll” a common word?
“Poll” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “poll” have?
“Poll” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a survey that asks people questions to gauge public opinion.
What is the difference between "poll" and "survey"?
A poll is a survey that asks people questions to gauge public opinion, usually short and focused on a single issue such as who they will vote for. A survey is often broader, gathering data on many topics or behaviors. In short, a poll is a type of survey aimed specifically at measuring opinion.
What is the difference between "poll" and "vote"?
A vote is the formal act of choosing in an election or decision, while a poll can mean either an opinion survey or the formal process and place of voting. "The polls" often refers to the physical location where voting happens. So a poll can measure opinion before any real vote, or it can be the vote itself.
What is the difference between "poll" and "pole"?
"Poll" and "pole" are homophones that sound alike but differ in meaning. A "poll" is an opinion survey or a formal vote, while a "pole" is a long rounded rod or one of the two ends of the Earth's axis. They are not interchangeable despite the identical pronunciation.
How is "poll" used in the phrase "go to the polls"?
"Go to the polls" means to cast votes in an election, using "poll" in its sense of the place where voting happens. It describes voters formally participating in an election rather than answering an opinion survey. The plural "polls" here points to polling stations.
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