tote
1 Americanverb (used with object)
-
to carry, as on one's back or in one's arms.
to tote a bundle.
-
to carry on one's person.
to tote a gun.
-
to transport or convey, as on a vehicle or boat.
noun
-
the act or course of toting.
-
something that is toted.
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
noun
-
the act of or an instance of toting
-
something toted
noun
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
Explanation
A tote is a bag or basket used to carry things. Toting also refers to lugging things around. If you ever go to a conference, there's a good chance you might be given a tote, which is also known as a tote bag. Totes help people carry around conference materials, and they can be used to carry all sorts of things, including clothes for a trip or groceries at the store. Also, carrying things around is called toting. Usually, toting refers to carrying things around with difficulty. A giant box is hard to tote around.
Vocabulary lists containing tote
One Crazy Summer
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The Benefits of Being an Octopus
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Elijah of Buxton
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Old Navy’s is somewhat tasteful and tongue-in-cheek, offering a cable-knit cerulean sweater with a charming red high-heel logo, tote bags and tops with a few of the movie’s key phrases printed on them.
From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026
Its bestselling handbasket tote requires a larger protective box to preserve its structured wicker shape.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026
Backpacks, travel cases, laptop bags, large umbrellas, professional cameras and large tote bags are not permitted inside the venue but can be stored in the bag drop.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026
The Monrovia-based company, which opened its first store in 1967 in Pasadena, is privately owned and known for its many private-label products, including cult favorite frozen orange chicken, cookie butter and viral miniature tote bags.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026
She laughed, then pointed to my tote bag.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
