[ US /ˈkænvəs/ ]
[ UK /kˈænvəs/ ]
NOUN
  1. an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
  2. a tent made of canvas fabric
  3. the setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic account
    the crowded canvas of history
    the movie demanded a dramatic canvas of sound
  4. an oil painting on canvas fabric
  5. a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
  6. the mat that forms the floor of the ring in which boxers or professional wrestlers compete
    the boxer picked himself up off the canvas
  7. a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
VERB
  1. solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign
  2. get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions
  3. consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
    analyze the evidence in a criminal trial
    analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare
    analyze your real motives

How To Use canvass In A Sentence

  • Liberal Democrat canvass returns looked great. Times, Sunday Times
  • The council has been canvassing local opinion/local people to get their thoughts on the proposed housing development.
  • Dairy Crest are suing Mr Rollings for damages, claiming he canvassed for custom while he was still working for them.
  • The more civilised make up of canvass or "gunny bags" stuffed with hay and provided with cross bars, a rude packsaddle, which is admirably calculated to gall the animal's back. First Footsteps in East Africa
  • And he aims to ensure he wins in Greece by spending the next month canvassing for votes in rival countries. The Sun
  • Your only comfort lay in the forced reflection, that, real as he looked, the poor caitiff was but imaginary, a bit of painted canvass, whom no delirium tremens, nor so much as a retributive headache, awaited, on the morrow.
  • A healthy living co-ordinator will go to bingo sessions to canvass ideas for a £1 million healthy living centre in Allerton.
  • Liberal Democrat canvass returns looked great. Times, Sunday Times
  • Retailers, mainly garages and newsagents, have already privately canvassed staff on whether they would be willing to work on the Sabbath.
  • The more civilised make up of canvass or “gunny bags” stuffed with hay and provided with cross bars, a rude packsaddle, which is admirably calculated to gall the animal’s back. First footsteps in East Africa
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