English Reference
noun · verb

poll

n. · v.
US /ˈpoʊɫ/ poll

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a study where many people are asked the same questions to find out what the general public thinks.

    n.a systematic survey of public opinion, typically involving a representative sample of a population.

    Simple

    A recent poll shows that most people are worried about the environment.

    In context

    The latest opinion poll suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment regarding the government's proposed fiscal reforms.

    surveyopinion pollsampling
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the process of voting in an election, or the total number of votes recorded.

    n.the process of voting in an election, or the resulting count of votes cast.

    Simple

    The results of the poll will be announced shortly after midnight.

    In context

    Voters headed to the polls early this morning to decide the fate of the local council representatives.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to ask a group of people for their opinions on a specific subject.

    v.to record the opinion or vote of a specific group or electorate.

    Simple

    The researchers polled over a thousand students about their study habits.

    In context

    The agency polled a diverse demographic to ensure the market research reflected the country's actual purchasing trends.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to get a certain number of votes in an election.

    v.to receive or register a specified number of votes in an election or survey.

    Simple

    The independent candidate polled more votes than anyone expected.

    In context

    Despite a limited campaign budget, the incumbent polled nearly sixty percent of the total electorate in the primary.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    v.to check the status of a computer or device many times to see if it is ready.

    v.to systematically and repeatedly check the status of a peripheral device or process to see if it requires attention.

    Simple

    The software polls the printer every few seconds to check for paper jams.

    In context

    The central processor polls each connected sensor at millisecond intervals to ensure real-time data integrity across the network.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    n.the top or back of the head.

    n.the part of the head on which hair grows; the scalp or pate.

    Simple

    The old man rubbed his bald poll while he thought about the answer.

    In context

    The knight received a glancing blow to his poll, which fortunately only dented his heavy steel helmet.

Usage poll found

The result marks a narrowing from an earlier Quaest poll on August 5, which had put Lula ahead by a wider five-point margin, 44 percent to 39 percent.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

Last month a Granite State Poll from the University of New Hampshire found Ocasio-Cortez leading a potential Democratic field in that crucial state.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated