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
The Party for Socialism and Liberation and the AR-12-toting members of the Black Lion Party for International Solidarity participated in protests in Philadelphia. Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026 This slouchy bag is ideal for anyone who totes around a lot of belongings, but still wants to carry something elegant. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
This project did indeed start small – a single gray tote placed in the downtown lobby of Family Counseling Service, where staff members could donate toys for the kids of families struggling with everyday hardships. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Try a pair of trendy bug-eyed sunglasses to balance out your gigantic grocery tote. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 6 Apr. 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 11 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

tote

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

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