DictionarytoteCarrying bag
noun / verb

tote

TOHT/tˈoʊt/

To carry something from place to place.

She totes her books to class in a canvas bag.

Latina adult carrying heavy canvas bag by handles at her side, simple street scene.
Etymology

Tote is recorded in Virginia with the meaning “carry,” especially in the arms or on the back or shoulders. Its origin remains unknown.

In context

Cowboy Kent Rollins1:09
too heavy to tote down the road so many times
Restoring an 1800s Chuck Wagon Part 1 | Cowboy Cooking History

More examples

  • We tote folding chairs down to the beach.
  • He toted the groceries up three flights of stairs.
  • I keep a spare sweater in my tote.

Forms

tote · totes · toted · toting

Similar words

carry
The general term, without tote's informal, hands-on feel.
haul
Emphasizes moving a heavy load, sometimes using a vehicle.
lug
Emphasizes the effort of carrying something heavy or awkward.