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
Crowds of people lined the sidewalks of Del Mar Heights Road in a show of solidarity, toting handmade signs and American flags. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025 Facebook, TikTok and Instagram users are posting drive-by footage of agents toting guns and reporting the time, date and location of the sightings. Anissa Rivera, Oc Register, 16 June 2025
Noun
Just a few days later, Jenner stepped out in Paris wearing a very French version of Bieber's first look, pairing her Cecily tote with black capris and an elegant white silk blouse, finishing off the look with open-toed sandals and an obligatory pair of skinny sunglasses. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 26 June 2025 Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder in your purse, travel cosmetic bag, or work tote to touch up greasy or flat hair on the go. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 June 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 6 Jul. 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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