Canvasser: meaning, definitions and examples

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canvasser

 

[ ˈkæn.və.sɚ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political campaign

A canvasser is a person who visits individuals or households to solicit opinions or gather information, often related to political campaigns. Canvassers aim to persuade people to vote for a particular candidate or party. They may also gather data on community issues, helping to inform campaigns and policy decisions. Their work often involves door-to-door outreach, phone banking, or engagement at public events. Canvassing is a critical strategy in mobilizing voter support and assessing public sentiment.

Synonyms

campaigner, pollster, solicitor

Examples of usage

  • The canvasser knocked on our door to discuss the upcoming election.
  • During the campaign, she worked as a canvasser, helping to register new voters.
  • The local party hired several canvassers to gather opinions on neighborhood issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "canvasser" in other languages:

🇵🇹 coletor de votos

🇮🇳 मतदाता संग्रहक

🇩🇪 Wahlhelfer

🇮🇩 pengumpul suara

🇺🇦 агітатор

🇵🇱 ankieter

🇯🇵 キャンvァサー

🇫🇷 collecteur de voix

🇪🇸 recolector de votos

🇹🇷 oy toplayıcı

🇰🇷 유권자 수집가

🇸🇦 جامع الأصوات

🇨🇿 anketář

🇸🇰 anketár

🇨🇳 投票收集者

🇸🇮 zbiratel glasov

🇮🇸 kosningasafnari

🇰🇿 дауыс жинаушы

🇬🇪 ხმის შემომკრიბი

🇦🇿 səs toplayan

🇲🇽 recolector de votos

Word origin

The term 'canvasser' originates from the word 'canvass', which dates back to the early 16th century. The word 'canvass' itself is derived from the Middle English 'canvassen', which meant to examine or secure opinions. This was further influenced by the Middle Dutch word 'canvas', meaning 'to discuss', and the Latin word 'canna', which means 'reed' or 'tube', referring to something that could be passed around for examination. By the 18th century, the use of 'canvass' in a political context became common, where candidates would seek opinions or support through personal outreach. The modern usage of 'canvasser' reflects the role of individuals in political campaigns or surveys, embodying the act of engaging with the public to influence or gather insights.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,223, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.