poll
B2Formal to neutral, depending on context.
Definition
Meaning
The process of voting in an election or the place where votes are cast.
An opinion survey; a count of votes; the top of the head (archaic/veterinary); the blunt end of a tool (like a poll axe).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning is highly context-dependent: 1) Political/election process, 2) Research/surveying method, 3) (Specialized) The blunt end of a tool or a breeding/identification method for animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor: 'Exit poll' and 'opinion poll' are used identically. The verb 'to poll' meaning 'to vote' is slightly more common in UK news (e.g., 'The constituency polled heavily.'). In US, the noun 'the polls' for voting places is extremely frequent on election day.
Connotations
Generally neutral. In political contexts, can carry connotations of public opinion being measured or manipulated.
Frequency
High frequency in political news and data journalism in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
conduct a poll [on/among]poll (v) voters/participantsbe polling at [percentage]go to the pollsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go to the polls”
- “ahead in the polls”
- “straw poll”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for market research polls (e.g., 'We commissioned a poll to gauge customer satisfaction.').
Academic
Used in political science, sociology, and statistics (e.g., 'The methodological rigour of the poll was questioned.').
Everyday
Used for informal voting or surveys (e.g., 'Let's take a quick poll: who wants pizza?').
Technical
In computing/data processing: a request for status from a device or system component.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The candidate is expected to poll well in northern constituencies.
- We polled the committee members before the meeting.
American English
- The incumbent is polling at 52% in the latest survey.
- They polled 1000 likely voters across the state.
adjective
British English
- Poll data will be released after 10 pm.
- He is a recognised poll analyst.
American English
- The poll numbers shifted dramatically last week.
- Poll workers are needed for election day.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We had a class poll to choose the trip destination.
- The poll is open until Friday.
- According to the latest poll, most people support the new law.
- Where is my nearest polling station?
- The government's popularity has plummeted, as evidenced by three consecutive opinion polls.
- The referendum will see the electorate go to the polls in June.
- Methodological flaws in the polling process led to a significant underestimation of the candidate's support.
- The senator polled surprisingly well among traditionally hostile demographic groups.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a parrot (sounds like 'parrot' start) at the POLLing station saying 'Poll! Poll! Vote here!' to remind voters.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASURING PUBLIC OPINION IS TAKING A SNAPSHOT / DEMOCRACY IS A NUMBERS GAME.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пол' (floor).
- 'Poll' as a survey is 'опрос', not always 'голосование' (which is specifically voting).
- The verb 'to poll' can mean 'to get votes' (набирать голоса), not just 'to vote'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'pool' (swimming pool) instead of 'poll'.
- Saying 'make a poll' instead of 'conduct/take a poll'.
- Confusing 'poll' (voting) with 'pole' (a long stick or geographical point).
Practice
Quiz
In a computing context, what does 'to poll a device' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'poll' is a type of survey, often shorter and focused on voting intentions or single-topic opinions. 'Survey' is broader, can be longer, and cover multiple topics in depth.
It is neutral. It is formal in contexts like 'national opinion poll' but can be informal ('a quick poll of friends').
An unofficial, non-binding vote or survey used to gauge general opinion, not a scientifically conducted poll.
Yes. It can mean: 1) To receive a number of votes ('She polled 30,000 votes'), 2) To question people in a survey ('We polled 500 customers'), 3) To cut the horns or top of something (archaic/specialised).