canvas, canvass

The noun canvas refers to a strong heavy cloth used for making tents, sails and bags. It can also refer to a piece of material an artist uses to paint on.

• In our cities, we have families living under canvas.
• Anything can be a canvas for the street artist, from a cigarette pack to a billboard or a train.

The verb canvass means “to solicit,” “to campaign” or “to investigate.”

• Having representatives canvass the community provides an opportunity for face-to-face interactions.
• Joe canvassed for his Member of Parliament in his neighbourhood.
• It is crucial to canvass the opinion of consumers.