If you canvass public opinion, you find out how people feel about a particular subject.
Members of Parliament are spending the weekend canvassing opinion in their constituencies. [VERB noun]
The poll canvassed the views of almost eighty economists. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: poll, study, examine, investigate More Synonyms of canvass
More Synonyms of canvass
canvass in British English
(ˈkænvəs)
verb
1.
to solicit votes, orders, advertising, etc, from
2.
to determine the feelings and opinions of (voters before an election, etc), esp by conducting a survey
3.
to investigate (something) thoroughly, esp by discussion or debate
4. mainly US
to inspect (votes) officially to determine their validity
noun
5.
a solicitation of opinions, votes, sales orders, etc
6.
close inspection; scrutiny
Derived forms
canvasser (ˈcanvasser)
noun
canvassing (ˈcanvassing)
noun
Word origin
C16: probably from obsolete sense of canvas (to toss someone in a canvas sheet, hence, to harass, criticize); the developmentof current senses is unexplained
canvass in American English
(ˈkænvəs)
verb transitive
1.
to examine or discuss in detail; look over carefully
2.
to go through (places) or among (people) asking for (votes, opinions, orders, etc.)
verb intransitive
3.
to try to get votes, orders, etc.; solicit
noun
4.
the act of canvassing, esp. in an attempt to estimate the outcome of an election, sales campaign, etc.
Derived forms
canvasser (ˈcanvasser)
noun
Word origin
< canvas < ? use of canvas for sifting
Examples of 'canvass' in a sentence
canvass
Wearing a camel coat he was canvassing voters as they went to cast their ballot.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He has also canvassed for the party.
The Sun (2014)
His style is to be inclusive and he canvassed opinion from fellow senior players while talking individually to the squad.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
All nominations were considered and invitations were issued explaining the procedures and the extensive canvassing of staff views entailed in the process.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The banks will canvass shareholders' opinions next week.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He spoke to his bank manager, potential investors and friends to canvass opinions.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is now canvassing views on a raft of other reforms aimed at reducing costs and cutting the time it takes to conduct investigations.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
A day of canvassing often ends with a night of phone calls to solicit more support.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They've been canvassing shareholders who think they should at least have an opportunity to look at an offer.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Led by a police band, crowds of marching people will be canvassing support for this cause or that cause.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
And he aims to ensure he wins in Greece by spending the next month canvassing for votes in rival countries.
The Sun (2006)
How many British women reading this have had their opinion canvassed by male colleagues only to find it overlooked in practice?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Liberal Democrat canvass returns looked great.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We canvassed people so that when they joined our body, they had a clear idea of what the church expected them to contribute.
Christianity Today (2000)
But according to the canvass returns I was going to win.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is wholly untrue to suggest that I have canvassed shareholders for their support on a rights issue.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
We meet in a café in Barnsley's town centre where he has been canvassing for votes.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He canvassed 19,000 people in 213 constituencies.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Using the services of a telephone research company in Southend, his company has canvassed voters in marginal seats.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
By canvassing text votes, it gives Afghans a blast of popular democracy as well as promoting unity between tribes and ethnic factions.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
canvass
British English: canvass /ˈkænvəs/ VERB
If you canvass for a person or political party, you try to persuade people to vote for them.