Dictionary
1canvass
verb can·vass \ˈkan-vəs\
: to ask (the people in an area) what they think about a candidate, project, idea, etc.
: to talk to the people in an area in order to get them to support a candidate, project, idea, etc.
: to look at or consider (something) carefully
can·vassedcan·vas·sing
Full Definition of CANVASS
transitive verb
1
obsolete : to toss in a canvas sheet in sport or punishment
2
3
: to go through (a district) or go to (persons) in order to solicit orders or political support or to determine opinions or sentiments <canvass voters>
intransitive verb
: to seek orders or votes : solicit
— can·vass·er also can·vas·er noun
See canvass defined for English-language learners
See canvass defined for kids
Variants of CANVASS
can·vass also can·vas \ˈkan-vəs\
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First Known Use of CANVASS
1508
Other Government and Politics Terms
2canvass
noun
Definition of CANVASS
: the act or an instance of canvassing; especially : a personal solicitation of votes or survey of public opinion
Variants of CANVASS
canvass also canvas
First Known Use of CANVASS
circa 1611
CANVASS Defined for Kids
canvass
verb can·vass \ˈkan-vəs\
can·vassedcan·vass·ing
Definition of CANVASS for Kids
: to go to (people) to ask for votes, contributions, or orders for goods or to determine public opinion
— can·vass·er noun
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