tote

1 of 4

verb (1)

toted; toting
Synonyms of tote

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
This summer dessert recipe is easy to prep ahead and tote to your next party or potluck. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026 Sandisk also shed over 10%, but the stock is still toting an advance of more than 750% in 2026. Liz Napolitano,hugh Leask,lee Ying Shan,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 30 June 2026
Noun
If your go-to bag is a roomy tote, treat yourself to the Medium City Tote by Coach. Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026 Throw it on with sandals and an oversized tote for the beach, or dress it up with wedges and a clutch for dinner out. Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 4 July 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 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

tote

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

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