Poll

Definition

Poll primarily refers to the process of voting in an election or a survey of people's opinions.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /poʊl/
• Respelling: POHL (with "POHL" as in "pole")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəʊl/
• Respelling: POHL (similar to American English, with "POHL" as in "pole")

In both dialects, "poll" is pronounced with a single, stressed syllable. The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the clear articulation of the long "o" sound in "POHL."

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English word "polle", which originally meant "head" or "top". The term evolved to mean "counting of heads" or "persons" and then further to its modern-day association with voting and surveys.

Derivatives

• Pollster
• Polling booth
• Polling station
• Polling day
• Poll-taker

Synonyms

• Survey
• Ballot
• Vote

Antonyms

• None
• None
• None

Usage

The term "poll" is most commonly associated with the process of voting, whether in a political context or in a more informal setting. It can also refer to the actual collection of votes or the results of a vote.

Related Terms

• Referendum
• Plebiscite
• Exit poll
• Opinion poll
• Tally

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The process of voting in an election.
• Example: "The polls will be open from 9 AM to 7 PM."

• A survey of public opinion.
• Example: "According to the latest poll, 60% of respondents support the new policy."

• The number of votes cast in an election.
• Example: "The final poll showed a tight race with only a few votes separating the candidates."

Verb

• To record the opinion or vote of.
• Example: "The company polled its employees on the proposed changes."

• To receive a specified number of votes.
• Example: "The candidate polled well in the urban areas."

• To cut or trim, especially hair or wool.
• Example: "She decided to poll her hair short for the summer."