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
The spring 2025 collection was realized with 91 percent sustainable materials and several guests toted the new Ryder bag, a 100 percent vegan top-handle style. Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 29 Nov. 2024 Families, in particular, may be toting around a heavier load than the solo traveler and will benefit from having the three-piece July Classic expandable family set in their luggage rotation. Lydia Mansel, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
Below, our favorites include a ladylike top-handle bag in winter white to its signature Park tote in black. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024 The tote’s roomy design features two interior pockets and two exterior pockets to store your laptop, headphones, and wallet. Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near tote

Cite this Entry

“Tote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tote. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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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