canvass Hear it!

canvass definition

can·vass (kanvəs)

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.

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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

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