Dictionary definition · canvass
noun
- the setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic account"the crowded canvas of history"
- an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
- a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
- a tent made of canvas fabric
- an oil painting on canvas fabric
- the mat that forms the floor of the ring in which boxers or professional wrestlers compete"the boxer picked himself up off the canvas"
- a heavy, closely woven fabric
verb
- get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions
- solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign
- consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning"analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).