canvass Hear it!

canvass definition

can·vass (kan′vəs)

transitive verb

  1. to examine or discuss in detail; look over carefully
  2. to go through (places) or among (people) asking for (votes, opinions, orders, etc.)

Etymology: < canvas < ? use of canvas for sifting

intransitive verb

to try to get votes, orders, etc.; solicit

noun

the act of canvassing, esp. in an attempt to estimate the outcome of an election, sales campaign, etc.

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

canvass Synonyms

canvass

v.

  1. To seek votes

    campaign, solicit votes, agitate, apply; see campaign 1.

  2. To sell from house to house

    call upon, peddle, sell door-to-door, ring doorbells; see sell 1.

  3. To examine or discuss in detail

    investigate, survey, debate, explore; see consult, discuss, examine 1, interview.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

canvass Usage Examples

Object

  • charactersi: Charactersi canvassed the a secluded swimming only remain sailing the water was.

Preposition: on

  • behalf: She has canvassed on behalf of the Labor party.

Modifying Another Word

  • actively: Even more radical measures are now being actively canvassed, particularly for 14-16 year olds.

Preposition: in

  • area: Those of us who went canvassing in the area found many white former Labor voters who were voting for Respect.

Preposition: of

  • property: We start updating the register every autumn, after a canvass of all properties in the District.

Preposition: for

  • vote: Campaign: - All the canvassing for votes... is normally a Sunday.
canvass usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

Link to this page:

Cite this page:

MLA Style

"canvass." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 3 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/canvass>

APA Style

canvass. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 3rd, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/canvass

Comments:

Please or Register to post a comment