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REFERENCE

polls

n. · v.
US //ˈpoʊɫz// polls
  1. 1 the voting process (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    the process of voting in a political election.

    the process of casting and counting votes in an election; often used with 'the'.

    Example

    The polls opened at seven in the morning and closed late at night.

    Example

    Political analysts predicted a record turnout as the polls opened across the country following a highly contested campaign season.

    Usage

    Usually appears as 'the polls' when referring to the general voting event.
  2. 2 opinion surveys (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    surveys that ask many people the same questions to find out what the public thinks.

    the record of opinions or votes that have been collected and analysed to gauge public sentiment.

    Example

    Recent polls show that most people are worried about the cost of living.

    Example

    Despite what the early opinion polls suggested, the final results revealed a significant shift in voter priorities during the last week of the race.
  3. 3 the place to vote (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the physical place where you go to cast your vote.

    the physical location or polling station where voters cast their ballots.

    Example

    She walked to the local school, which was being used as the polls for her neighborhood.

    Example

    Volunteers were stationed outside the polls to ensure that every citizen could navigate the registration process without difficulty.
    • polling station
  4. 4 to receive votes (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to get a certain number of votes in an election.

    to receive a specified number of votes or a particular level of support in an election or survey.

    Example

    The candidate polls very well among younger voters in the city.

    Example

    The incumbent usually polls higher in rural districts, whereas the challenger has gained significant momentum in the urban centres.

    Usage

    Often used in the third-person singular ('polls') to describe current standing in a race.
Idioms1 entry

Last updated June 19, 2026