tote

1 of 5

verb (1)

ˈtōt 

toted; toting

transitive verb

1

: to carry by hand : bear on the person : lug, pack

2

: haul, convey

toter

ˈtō-tər 

noun

tote

2 of 5

noun (1)

1

: tote bag

2

: burden, load

tote

3 of 5

verb (2)

toted; toting

transitive verb

: add, total

—usually used with up

… toted up his accomplishments …

—G. P. Morrill

tote

4 of 5

noun (2)

: pari-mutuel sense 2

toter

5 of 5

noun (3)

tot·​er ˈtōtə(r) 

plural -s

: one that totes

Synonyms of tote

Verb (1)

• carry
• haul
• transport
• ferry

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

Verb

Place it on your coffee table with a candle and your remotes, and then tote it around with a round of martinis come pre-dinner happy hour. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026

Evans lost star running back Li’Darious Pryor, now at Jackson State, but Poinciana transfer Davion Williams will step in, and O’Ryan Hartfield from Ocoee can also tote it. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Noun

At his death, Snellings’ belongings were limited to a bicycle and a couple of totes. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026

Amenities and experiences Hotel guests receive free beach passes, access to bicycles, beach towels, and a beach tote. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing tote

• tote bag
• tote board

Rhymes for tote

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• dote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• moat

Kids Definition

tote

verb

ˈtōt

toted; toting

: to carry by hand

toter noun