tote

1 of 4

verb (1)

toted; toting
Synonyms of tote

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
The super-thin, credit card-sized power bank is easy to slip into a purse or tote and will have your phone back to 100 percent battery in just two hours. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026 This rattan version is easy to tote from room to room and looks adorable when placed on top of a changing table. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026
Noun
This puffy tote is from the same brand as a toiletry bag Oprah included on her 2025 Favorite Things list, and it’s backed by a sizable fan club (it’s been purchased more than 3,000 times in the past month alone). Annie Blackman, InStyle, 26 June 2026 This Arugula Green bag is half tote, half crossbody, and has a smooth, shiny leather finish. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 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 27 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

tote

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

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