tote

1 of 4

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 4

noun (1)

1

: tote bag

2

: burden, load

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)

: pari-mutuel sense 2

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

Clooney accessorized her look with a different neutral color, toting a gray suede bag from the label. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Three weeks of toting around a bag on one shoulder or by the handles just isn’t sustainable. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026

Noun

Among the markdowns are everyday totes, sleek shoulder bags, versatile crossbodies, and statement silhouettes, with some savings reaching up to 60 percent (yes, really). — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

This roomy tote is an easy everyday pick for work, errands, or upcoming fall travel. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 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