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

The MetroCard, a scuffed yellow rectangle that lived in wallets, coat pockets and the bottoms of tote bags for more than three decades, is officially reaching the end of the line.

From Salon

I’d swapped handbags for the season — a slouchy straw tote with a teak handle traded for a forest-green suede pouch — and my wallet, apparently, hadn’t gotten the memo.

From Salon

Companies such as e-commerce giant Amazon have used the robot for repetitive tasks such as picking up and moving empty totes.

From Los Angeles Times

The Costa Mesa store will offer fan favorites, including original Trader Joe’s tote bags and a wide selection of cheeses.

From Los Angeles Times

This tote is my first piece from the Row, and one I’ll cherish forever.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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