tote

¹ American  

[toht] / toʊt /

verb (used with object)

toted, toting

1. to carry, as on one's back or in one's arms.

   to tote a bundle.

2. to carry on one's person.

   to tote a gun.

3. to transport or convey, as on a vehicle or boat.

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noun

1. the act or course of toting.

2. something that is toted.

3. tote bag.

tote ² American  

[toht] / toʊt /

verb (used with object)

toted, toting

1. Informal. to add up; total.

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tote ³ American  

[toht] / toʊt /

noun

Informal.

1. a totalizator.

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tote ¹ British  

/ təʊt /

verb

1. (tr) to carry, convey, or drag

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noun

1. the act of or an instance of toting

2. something toted

Tote ² British  

/ təʊt /

noun

1. (sometimes not capital) short for totalizator totalizator

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Other Word Forms

• totable adjective
• toteable adjective
• toter noun

Etymology

Origin of tote¹

An Americanism dating back to 1670–80; origin uncertain

Origin of tote²

First recorded in 1885–90; probably verb use of tote, shortening of total

Origin of tote³

First recorded in 1890–95; by shortening

Example Sentences

Early in the morning, workers prepare to send parcels out for delivery by sorting them into large square tote bags.

From The Wall Street Journal

“And you and Lloyd can tote the ladder home between you. It’s heavy, but I guess it’s worth it to you. I’m making for home now. I don’t want to know.”

From Literature

Fight the urge to pack more than you need, and make sure you aren’t toting anything unnecessary in your trunk.

From The Wall Street Journal

There’s a tote bag at her feet that says Jefferson Middle School—the middle school one town over, where Avery’s crush, Collin, went.

From Literature

Its bestselling handbasket tote requires a larger protective box to preserve its structured wicker shape.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bag
• handbag
• satchel
• shopping bag
• tote bag