# surveyor

/ˈsɝˌveɪɝ/ (US) · /səvˈeɪɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/surveyor
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. land measurement

noun · CEFR B2

a person whose job is to measure land and find the exact positions of boundaries or features.

For teachers: a professional who determines the precise location of points and the distances and angles between them to establish maps and boundaries.

- The surveyor used a special camera on a tripod to measure the field before the builders arrived.
- The land surveyor was hired to resolve the boundary dispute by precisely mapping the property lines according to the original deeds.

Usage: Often used in the context of construction, civil engineering, and property law.

### 2. building inspector

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a person who examines a building to see if it is in good condition, usually before someone buys it.

For teachers: a professional who inspects the structural condition and value of a building, typically for a buyer or an insurance company.

- We hired a surveyor to check the house for damp and roof problems before we signed the contract.
- The chartered surveyor identified several structural flaws in the Victorian terrace that the prospective buyers had completely overlooked.

Usage: In British English, this specifically refers to a 'building surveyor' or 'chartered surveyor'.

Teaching tip: In American English, this role is more commonly called a 'home inspector' or 'appraiser'.

### 3. one who conducts polls

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

someone who carries out a survey or asks people questions to collect information.

For teachers: an individual or agent responsible for conducting a survey, poll, or data collection exercise.

- The market research surveyor asked shoppers about their favorite brands of coffee.
- The government surveyor spent weeks collecting data from local businesses to assess the impact of the new tax policy.

Teaching tip: While technically correct, 'pollster' or 'researcher' is much more common in modern speech for this sense.

## Examples

- The surveyor checks the house before we buy it.
- Before the construction crew could begin digging, a surveyor arrived to mark the exact boundaries of the property.
- The bank required a report from a chartered surveyor to ensure the structural integrity of the old manor before approving the mortgage.

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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.