tote

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈtōt How to pronounce tote (audio)
toted; toting
Synonyms of tote

transitive verb

1
: to carry by hand : bear on the person : lug, pack
2
: haul, convey
toter
ˈtō-tər How to pronounce tote (audio)
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

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Verb (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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 nominal payload to be toted around the Red Planet will be identical for all three helicopters, consisting of five instruments, plus engineering navigation cameras. — Leonard David, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026 She was known for toting her poodle Cliquot around the house with her. — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
Vanity Fair’s coverage of the mini tote phenomenon explores how the bags became tied to internet culture and recognizable American retail branding. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 According to the brand, the $58 totes and $98 hats are selling fast, while several other picks throughout the line have already been swooped up by stylish fans. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing tote

Rhymes for tote

See All Rhymes for tote

Browse Nearby Words

to taste
tote
tote bag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tote. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tote

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