What does tote mean?
Tote is most often used as a noun for a large, usually sturdy bag with handles, carried over the shoulder or by hand. It can also be a verb meaning “carry” or “transport,” as in “they tote supplies across the site.” The word has an informal, practical tone and is especially associated with canvas, reusable shopping bags, although modern totes may be made from cloth, leather, or synthetic materials. In the verb use, “tote” suggests carrying a load that is manageable but perhaps bulky; it is more conversational than formal. The noun can also mean a person who carries goods, though that use is now dated or regional. The term's history is uncertain, but the verb was established in English by the early modern period, and the modern bag sense developed from its carrying associations. Tote is therefore useful because it names both the object used to carry things and the action of carrying them, while retaining a distinctly everyday register.
A large bag with handles, typically carried by hand or over the shoulder; less commonly, a person or thing that carries something.
"Her everyday tote was made from sturdy cotton canvas."
The bag sense is dominant today. The sense meaning a carrier of goods is dated or regional.
To carry or transport something, especially a load that is bulky but manageable.
"Workers tote the equipment from the van to the field."
Common in informal English, especially in American usage, but also standard in British English.
The plural is formed by adding -s: one tote, two totes.
"She packed several reusable totes with groceries."
From carrying a load to carrying everything in your day, tote has become the everyday word for a dependable, roomy bag.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tote come from?
The precise origin of the English word is uncertain, although it was established in the early modern period, particularly in Scottish usage, with the sense of carrying or transporting something. Its noun sense for a carrying container developed later, and the modern expression “tote bag” became common in the 20th century. The word is often traced to a Romance source associated with Latin totus, “all,” which also underlies related words such as total and totally.
Related word forms
How tote is actually used
Tote is widely used in everyday, informal English. As a verb, it often has a practical, uncomplicated tone, as in “tote supplies” or “tote luggage.” The sense meaning a person who carries goods is considerably less common today.