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 accomplishmentsG. 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
The story set in Minnesota and shot in Finland, was a first for Thompson who totes a gun while braving a deep freeze. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025 That Bonnie shows up toting a rifle doesn’t put Benjamin’s mind at ease, but Bonnie hasn’t come to kill Benjamin; but to propose a deal. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
Moynat's signature monogrammed canvas totes start at $2,150 and bag charms retail for $450. Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025 In fact, Jeanty finished just 28 yards shy of topping Barry Sanders' single-season NCAA rushing record in 2024, racking up 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on an absurd seven yards per tote. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 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)

1888, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1891, 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 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

tote

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tote

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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