canvasscanvass with two s's, canvascanvas with one s

The words canvasscanvass with two s's and canvascanvas with one s are often confused. Although their spellings are similar, their meanings are different.

On this page

• Definition of “canvasscanvass with two s's”
• Definition of “canvascanvas with one s”
• Idioms containing the word “canvascanvas with one s”

Definition of “canvasscanvass with two s's”

The verb canvass (with two s’s) means “to solicit,” “to campaign” or “to investigate.”

• Having representatives canvass the community provides an opportunity for face-to-face interactions.
• Joe canvassed for his member of Parliament in his neighbourhood.
• It is crucial to canvass the opinion of consumers.

The noun canvass refers to the act or process of canvassing.

• A canvass of the community provided opportunities for face-to-face interactions.
• Joe organized a canvass for his member of Parliament in his neighbourhood.
• The canvass compares consumer opinions.

Definition of “canvascanvas with one s”

The noun canvas (with one s) refers to a strong, heavy cloth used for making tents, sails, bags, etc. In this context, canvas is a non-countable noun, so it always takes a singular verb and is never preceded by an article.

• Canvas is a durable material, usually made of cotton or linen.
• Ashley’s duffle bag, which was made of canvas, served him well on his travels.

Canvas can also refer to the framed piece of material an artist paints on. In this context, canvas is a countable noun, so it’s preceded by a modifier and can take the plural form.

• This canvas is the perfect size for my art project!
• Laya painted a gorgeous cityscape on a set of three canvases.
• For a street artist, anything can be a canvas, from a cigarette pack to a billboard.

Idioms containing the word “canvascanvas with one s”

The expression a blank canvas refers to someone or something that is open-ended and has potential for change or development.

• A child’s mind is a blank canvas, ready to be filled with information.
• After they gutted the house, they had a blank canvas to work with.

The expression under canvas means “in a tent (or tents).” It can also mean “with sails spread.”

• In our city, we have families living under canvas.
• They sailed under full canvas, the smell of the briny sea filling their nostrils.

In boxing or wrestling, the expression hit the canvas is used to mean “fall to the floor.”

• He was out cold before he even hit the canvas.