tote

1 of 4

verb (1)

toted; toting
Synonyms of tote

transitive verb

1
: to carry by hand : bear on the person : lug, pack
2
toter noun

tote

2 of 4

noun (1)

1
2

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)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Keep a stash in the fridge for the kids (and adults) for summer snacking or tote them to picnics, potlucks, and pool parties. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026 There was defender Jules Koundé, who toted a Louis Vuitton monogrammed duffel, followed by forward Ousmane Dembélé, who sported an Hermès Haut à Courroies—sometimes referred to as an HAC—in black leather and big enough to carry a stowaway. Max Berlinger, Vogue, 11 June 2026
Noun
Throw it on over your bathing suit for a beach day or pair it with sandals and a tote for a casual, put-together look anywhere else. Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 The merlot color of this handwoven tote is another top contender for my bag collection. Essence Wiley, InStyle, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tote

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tote was in 1677

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tote. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

tote

verb
ˈtōt
toted; toting
: to carry by hand
toter noun

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