tracking poll: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Formal, Journalistic, Political/Technical
Quick answer
What does “tracking poll” mean?
A type of opinion poll that surveys the same group or a series of representative samples over a period of time to measure changes in public opinion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of opinion poll that surveys the same group or a series of representative samples over a period of time to measure changes in public opinion.
A repeated survey or series of surveys, especially during an election campaign, used to monitor shifts in voter sentiment, candidate popularity, or issue salience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally understood in political contexts in both the UK and the US. The frequency might be slightly higher in US political discourse due to the constant election cycle.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes strategic campaign monitoring, data-driven politics, and often intense media focus during elections. Can sometimes have a cynical connotation of politics being reduced to daily popularity contests.
Frequency
High frequency in political journalism and analysis, especially during election campaigns. Low frequency in general everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “tracking poll” in a Sentence
The [candidate/campaign] commissioned a tracking poll.The latest tracking poll shows/indicates/suggests [result].According to a tracking poll, [statement about opinion].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tracking poll” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The firm was commissioned to track poll data throughout the campaign.
American English
- The campaign is tracking poll numbers daily.
adjective
British English
- The tracking-poll data revealed a late swing.
American English
- They reviewed the tracking-poll results every morning.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, but could be used in market research for tracking brand perception over time.
Academic
Common in political science, sociology, and research methodology texts.
Everyday
Very low usage; primarily encountered in news reports about elections.
Technical
Core term in polling methodology, political strategy, and data journalism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tracking poll”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tracking poll”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tracking poll”
- Using 'tracking poll' to refer to a single, one-time survey (incorrect).
- Confusing it with an 'exit poll' (which is taken on election day).
- Misspelling as 'tracing poll'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They are tracking polling' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically daily or every few days, especially in the final weeks of an election campaign.
A tracking poll is conducted repeatedly over time before an election. An exit poll is conducted once, on election day, asking voters who they just voted for as they leave the polling station.
Primarily political campaigns, news organisations, and political consultancies to monitor campaign dynamics and public opinion trends.
Yes, like all polls, they are subject to sampling error, methodological flaws, and may fail to predict sudden, late shifts in voter behaviour.
A type of opinion poll that surveys the same group or a series of representative samples over a period of time to measure changes in public opinion.
Tracking poll is usually formal, journalistic, political/technical in register.
Tracking poll: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtræk.ɪŋ ˌpəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtræk.ɪŋ ˌpoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A daily dose of tracking poll drama.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a scientist tracking a satellite's path. A 'tracking poll' tracks public opinion's path over time.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC OPINION IS A MOVING OBJECT / POLITICS IS A HORSE RACE (with polls providing the race commentary).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a tracking poll?