surveys; surveyed; surveying
[+ object]
1 : to ask (many people) a question or a series of questions in order to gather information about what most people do or think about something
A total of 250 city residents were surveyed about the project.
64 percent of the people surveyed said that the economy was doing well.
The magazine surveyed its readers on their romantic relationships. [=the magazine took/conducted a survey of its readers to find out about their romantic relationships]
2 : to look at and examine all parts of (something)
The teacher surveyed the room.
People were surveying the damage after the storm.
3 : to measure and examine (an area of land)
Engineers surveyed the property to see what could be built on it.
4 : to give a general description or report of (something, such as a subject or a situation)
The class surveys American history before the Civil War.
5 British : to examine (a building) to make sure it is in good condition
The house must be surveyed [=(US) inspected] before it can be sold.