canvass meaning and definition

CANVASS noun

Definition of canvass (noun)

1. the setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic account
   • "the crowded canvas of history"; "the movie demanded a dramatic canvas of sound"
   • synonyms: canvas
2. an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
   • synonyms: opinion poll, poll, public opinion poll
3. a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
   • synonyms: canvas, sail, sheet
4. a tent made of canvas fabric
   • synonyms: canvas, canvas tent
5. an oil painting on canvas fabric
   • synonyms: canvas
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"
   • synonyms: canvas
7. a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
   • synonyms: canvas

CANVASS verb

Definition of canvass (verb)

1. get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions
   • synonyms: canvas, poll
2. solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign
   • synonyms: canvas
3. consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
   • "analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare"; "analyze the evidence in a criminal trial"; "analyze your real motives"
   • synonyms: analyse, analyze, canvas, examine, study