# polls

/ˈpoʊɫz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polls
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the voting process

noun · CEFR B1

the process of voting in a political election.

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

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

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- Recent polls show that most people are worried about the cost of living.
- 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. the place to vote

noun · CEFR B1

the physical place where you go to cast your vote.

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

- She walked to the local school, which was being used as the polls for her neighborhood.
- Volunteers were stationed outside the polls to ensure that every citizen could navigate the registration process without difficulty.

### 4. to receive votes

verb · CEFR B2

to get a certain number of votes in an election.

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

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

## Examples

- The polls open at seven in the morning.
- Recent polls suggest that the public is divided on the new environmental policy proposed by the government.
- Political analysts often warn against over-interpreting early exit polls, as the final tally can shift significantly once rural districts report their official numbers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.