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
There were a few younger couples, too, with women in Pippa Holt caftans toting expensive straw bags. Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 Clearly an animal print fanatic, Rih also toted her favorite vintage leopard print mini Papillon bag by Louis Vuitton, which has been in her handbag rotation from Aspen to Los Angeles and NYC. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
The video suggested that prospective residents arrive with two two-hundred-and-seventy-five-gallon water totes, a propane tank, a water pump, and personal-hygiene items. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026 Quince Italian Suede Slouchy Shoulder Bag InStyle readers are obsessed with Quince’s great deals on premium pieces, like this 100-percent suede slouchy tote. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 19 Jan. 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 24 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

tote

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tote

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!