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

This summer dessert recipe is easy to prep ahead and tote to your next party or potluck. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026

Sandisk also shed over 10%, but the stock is still toting an advance of more than 750% in 2026. — Liz Napolitano,hugh Leask,lee Ying Shan,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 30 June 2026

Noun

Kate Spade Outlet During Kate Spade Outlet’s Clearance Event, shoppers can save up to 70 percent, plus an additional 20 percent off purses, totes, wallets, and more at checkout. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

Complete the color story with Herbert Levine’s lime green pumps, adding black shades and a raffia tote to finish. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 9 July 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