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Definition of "canvass" []

  • To examine carefully or discuss thoroughly; scrutinize: "The evidence had been repeatedly canvassed in American courts” ( Anthony Lewis). (verb-transitive)
  • To go through (a region) or go to (persons) to solicit votes or orders. (verb-transitive)
  • To conduct a survey of (public opinion); poll. (verb-transitive)
  • To make a thorough examination or conduct a detailed discussion. (verb-intransitive)
  • To solicit voters, orders, or opinions. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "canvass" in a sentence
  • "“Allow me to present Skeletor,” with a grand flourish, he pulled a canvass from the large cloaked object dominating the small lab."
  • "The blue canvass is one that I won in a photography competition."
  • "How she compresses the grandeur and majesty of her subjects onto the canvass is only outdone by the breathtaking awe the viewer is participant to when standing before an original Fanucci."