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

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
In November, the SKIMS founder was spotted toting around a massive gray Haut A Courroies 50cm Birkin style while out in New York City. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 That detachable handle is great for little ones who want to tote it around themselves. Tanya Edwards, Parents, 13 Mar. 2024 The glut has left people wanting to work through that excess of special bottles, and that includes toting those wines with them to restaurants. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2024 Dakota Johnson, who hosted in the lead up to Madame Web, toted her $8,000 Andiamo bag to rehearsals while wearing a long fur coat. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2024 That’s the case with this Hyperspace Heroes Star Wars pick that features the Mandalorian flying the N1 Starfighter and the Child being toted along in the backseat. Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 10 Feb. 2024 Pérez is symbolic of the youth movement that lifted Arévalo to the presidency; the congressman is just 31, lives with his mom and often totes around a copy of Barack Obama’s presidential memoir. Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2024 On Tuesday, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, which advises the Legislature, increased its estimate of the budget’s deficit, which Newsom had originally pegged at $38 billion, to an eye-popping $73 billion after toting up Newsom’s proposals and decreasing its revenue estimate. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024 Swift has been attacked for weeks by vocal proponents of the theory, notably influential personalities toting fringe MAGA ideologies, including former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec, and right-wing media personality Benny Johnson. Liam Reilly, CNN, 14 Feb. 2024
Noun
Mollie Tote 25 $378 $97 From grocery trips to weekend getaways, there’s no occasion where this stunning tote—on sale for half off—couldn’t fit. Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2024 Margaux 10 bag Ferragamo Firenze flap tote bag Brochu Walker Everyday tote Prada large leather tote bag Prada buckle leather handbag Balenciaga Rodeo leather tote Precious Cargo Going somewhere? Madeline Fass, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 With a front racket compartment, water bottle pocket and striped straps, this nylon tote will be a hit with amateurs and pros alike. Paula Lee, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2024 The navy, yellow, red, and green small canvas totes that Trader Joe’s loyalists have become obsessed with have been restocked. Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 Like many viral items, the mini tote’s irresistible draw is in its simplicity. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 8 Mar. 2024 In addition to having the initial drop of the Spring 2024 collection, the Melrose store carries a dedicated capsule collection of T-shirts, sweatshirts and totes that were screen-printed with Schels’ portraits of a bunny and a cat. The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Throughout the designer’s new fall collection today, big white Balenciaga price tags were affixed to all sorts of pieces—including his plaid skirts and oversized totes. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2024 Crossbody bags, totes, fanny packs—certain purses lend themselves especially well to travel. Lauren Dana Ellman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near tote

Cite this Entry

“Tote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tote. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tote

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tote

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