Definition

Noun: An unofficial, informal survey or vote conducted to gauge general opinion, sentiment, or likely outcome on a particular issue. It is not a formal or binding vote.

Usage

A "straw poll" is used to quickly assess the views of a group without the procedures of a formal election. It is often spontaneous and used to get a general sense of opinion.

Examples

• The teacher took a straw poll to see if the class wanted to have the test on Friday or Monday.
• Before the meeting, they conducted a straw poll of committee members to see which proposal had the most support.
• The news channel's straw poll suggested the incumbent was leading, but it was not a scientific survey.

Advanced Usage

• "to conduct/hold/take a straw poll": This is the standard phrasing for carrying out this type of informal vote.
  • Let's take a straw poll: who is in favor of ordering pizza?
• The results of a straw poll are often described as indicative or suggestive, not definitive.
  • The straw poll indicates a shift in public opinion, but we need more data.

Variants and Related Words

• Straw vote: A direct synonym for "straw poll."
• Opinion poll: A broader term that can include both informal straw polls and formal, scientific surveys.

Synonyms

• Informal vote
• Show of hands
• Temperature check (idiomatic, modern)

Idioms and Related Phrases

• "A straw in the wind": While not the same phrase, this idiom shares the "straw" metaphor. It refers to a small sign that hints at a future trend or event, similar to how a straw poll can hint at a larger opinion.
  • The positive reactions to the prototype are a straw in the wind for the product's potential success.

Noun

1. an unofficial vote taken to determine opinion on some issue