canvas

Where it comes from

Canvas ordinarily means strong woven cloth, especially as a surface for painting or making durable goods. Canvas came through Anglo-French from a Vulgar Latin adjective meaning hempen, based on Latin cannabis, hemp. The cloth was originally identified by the plant fiber from which it was made. A name for sturdy hemp cloth broadened to objects made from it: tents, sails, and artists' painting surfaces.

How the meaning developed

A painted piece of canvas then became a canvas itself, and the word widened figuratively to any surface, setting, or scope available for creation.

In use

“Canvas” or “canvass”?
Which fits: The artist painted on a ______?
Both are words. Context matters.

“Canvas” is a strong cloth, including a painting surface.
To “canvass” is to ask people for opinions or support.
Paint the picture. Ask for the votes.