tote

1 of 4

verb (1)

toted; toting

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
Need a more manageable size to tote on trains and buses? Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025 Swain agreed and boarded the red-eye to Heathrow toting a bulging roller suitcase packed full of financials. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2025
Noun
Elsewhere, bones were stored in plastic and paper bags and totes and boxes, often covered with black mold and silverfish, according to the book. Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025 This lightweight puffy tote offers similar features for a low price of $33, including a laptop compartment, interior storage pockets, two exterior side pockets (perfect for a water bottle in one and an umbrella in the other), and comfortable shoulder straps. Erin Cavoto, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 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 7 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

tote

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tote

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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