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

Verb (1)

• bear
• carry
• cart
• convey
• ferry
• haul
• lug
• pack
• transport

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

The popular bag makes traveling a breeze thanks to its compact size that meets carry-on guidelines, lightweight build that’s easy to tote around, and hardshell exterior that keeps items inside from spilling or breaking. —Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2024

Last month, Saweetie posted a preview of the song on Insta, rapping a bit of the sing-songy chorus while strutting near a swimming pool and toting a tiny purse. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 May 2024

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)

1888, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1891, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tote

• tote bag
• tote board

Kids Definition

tote

verb

ˈtōt

toted; toting

: to carry by hand

toter noun