tote

¹

[ toht ]

verb (used with object)

, tot·ed, tot·ing.

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.

noun

1. the act or course of toting.
2. something that is toted.
3. tote bag.

tote

²

[ toht ]

verb (used with object)

, tot·ed, tot·ing.

1. Informal. to add up; total.

tote

³

[ toht ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a totalizator.

tote

¹

/ təʊt /

verb

1. tr to carry, convey, or drag

noun

1. the act of or an instance of toting
2. something toted

Tote

²

/ təʊt /

noun

1. the Tote
   sometimes not capital short for totalizator totalizator

Derived Forms

• ˈtoter, noun

Other Words From

• tota·ble totea·ble adjective
• toter noun

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tote¹

C17: of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Its customers will receive some of their money back, but are still toting up their losses.

From Los Angeles Times

Students wore “Make America Great Again” T-shirts and hats, toted at least two Trump cardboard cutouts and cheered loudly as a school security guard brandished a Trump banner.

From Los Angeles Times

There were a couple of tote bags that I hadn’t seen before, a bunch of T-shirts, some sweatshirts.

From Los Angeles Times

Their Links tote features reclaimed leather “links,” cut out, woven together and dyed in a kaleidoscope of colors.

From Los Angeles Times

They act as a filing system, inspiration and even a security blanket, but when the case is solved, Preston asks: “Why would she need the totes anymore?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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