tote

1 of 4

verb (1)

toted; toting
Synonyms of totenext

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
Staffers baked up a storm at home and proudly toted their treats to work. Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Dec. 2025 No, Tyla wasn’t toting a capacious carry-on bag, but rather, a small (and hot) designer purse from the 2000s, one that fellow stars like Rihanna and Zendaya frequently love to wear, too. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025
Noun
Made of high-quality lightweight nylon, this tote is a casual yet durable choice that can spruce up any airport outfit or luggage lineup. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2025 My wreaths tend to either hang in the garage, vulnerable to the changing temperatures, or get neatly laid—and promptly smushed—in my holiday tote bin. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 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 15 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!