WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
poll1 /poʊl/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
v. [~ + object]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Governmenta sampling of opinions on a subject, taken from a group of people, as for analysis:The opinion polls show great interest in the economy.
- Governmentthe act of voting in an election.
- GovernmentUsually, polls. [plural] the place where votes are cast:Polls are open at five-thirty in the morning.
- Governmentthe number of votes cast:a light poll.
v. [~ + object]
- Governmentto ask questions about the attitudes or opinions of (people):Students were polled on their preferences.
- Governmentto receive (a number of votes) at the polls:polled nearly six thousand more votes than her opponent.
poll1
(pōl),USA pronunciation n.
v.t.
v.i.
poll′a•ble, adj.
poll′er, n.
poll2 (pol),USA pronunciation n.
poll3 (pol),USA pronunciation n.
- Governmenta sampling or collection of opinions on a subject, taken from either a selected or a random group of persons, as for the purpose of analysis.
- GovernmentUsually, polls. the place where votes are taken.
- Governmentthe registering of votes, as at an election.
- Governmentthe voting at an election.
- Governmentthe number of votes cast.
- Governmentthe numerical result of the voting.
- Governmentan enumeration or a list of individuals, as for purposes of taxing or voting.
- GovernmentSee poll tax.
- Governmenta person or individual in a number or list.
- Anatomythe head, esp. the part of it on which the hair grows.
- Anatomythe back of the head.
- Zoologythe rear portion of the head of a horse;
the nape. See diag. under horse. - Zoologythe part of the head between the ears of certain animals, as the horse and cow.
- the broad end or face of a hammer.
v.t.
- Governmentto take a sampling of the attitudes or opinions of.
- Governmentto receive at the polls, as votes.
- Governmentto enroll (someone) in a list or register, as for purposes of taxing or voting.
- Governmentto take or register the votes of (persons).
- Governmentto deposit or cast at the polls, as a vote.
- Governmentto bring to the polls, as voters.
- Zoologyto cut short or cut off the hair, wool, etc., of (an animal);
crop;
clip;
shear. - Zoologyto cut short or cut off (hair, wool, etc.).
- Botanyto cut off the top of (a tree);
pollard. - Zoologyto cut off or cut short the horns of (cattle).
v.i.
- to vote at the polls;
give one's vote.
- Middle Low German: hair of the head, top of a tree or other plant; akin to Danish puld, Swedish pull crown of the head
- Middle English polle (hair of the) head 1250–1300
poll′er, n.
poll2 (pol),USA pronunciation n.
- (esp. at Cambridge University, England)
- Educationthe body of students who read for or obtain a degree without honors.
- EducationAlso called poll′ degree′. See pass degree.
- Greek polloí, in hoi polloí the many; see poly-
- apparently 1785–95
poll3 (pol),USA pronunciation n.
- Birdspolly.