tote

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈtōt 

toted; toting

transitive verb

1

: to carry by hand : bear on the person : lug, pack

2

: haul, convey

toter

ˈtō-tər 

noun

tote

2 of 4

noun (1)

1

: tote bag

2

: burden, load

tote

3 of 4

verb (2)

toted; toting

transitive verb

: add, total

—usually used with up

… toted up his accomplishments …

—G. P. Morrill

tote

4 of 4

noun (2)

: pari-mutuel sense 2

Synonyms of tote

Verb (1)

• carry
• haul
• transport
• ferry

Examples of tote in a Sentence

Verb (1)

toted his dog from the muddy backyard to the bathtub for a thorough washing

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Chang'e 7 features an orbiter, a lander, a rover and a mini-flying probe or hopper, which together will tote to the moon a total of 18 scientific instruments. —Leonard David, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2026

Debuting her new platinum blond hair, Hadid was seen hitting stores with friends — at one point toting a large Revolve x Fwrd bag — and pausing to snap photos with fans. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 3 Jan. 2026

Noun

In addition to multiple slip and zippered pockets found on the outside and throughout the inside, this tote has a keyring holder and a padded laptop pouch. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026

Shop last-chance deals on cozy winter coats to stay warm until spring, jeans and wide-leg pants, handbags and totes to carry all your essentials, and jewelry to complete every outfit. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

probably from an English-based creole; akin to Gullah & Krio tot to carry, of Bantu origin; akin to Kikongo -tota to pick up, Kimbundu -tuta to carry

Verb (2)

English dialect tote, noun, total

Noun (2)

short for totalizator

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

circa 1772, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb (2)

1830, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1890, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tote

• tote bag
• tote board

Rhymes for tote

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• moat

Kids Definition

tote

verb

ˈtōt

toted; toting

: to carry by hand

toter noun