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
During ski season, a glance around the lobby reveals an assortment of people toting ski gear and wearing high-end outdoor clothing. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026 Like the comics, Bernthal’s Punisher was a loose-cannon, gun-toting vigilante overflowing with grief from the shocking murders of his wife and children. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 May 2026
Noun
Then, give the look a polished finish with Everlane’s low-heel pumps and Khaite’s two-toned canvas tote. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 14 May 2026 Meanwhile, the tote is incredibly roomy and lightweight at only one pound, and each bag is fitted with additional exterior pockets for enhanced organization. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 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 15 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

tote

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

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