Definition

1. Noun:

   • A capacious bag or basket: A large, sturdy bag or container used for carrying items, often with handles or straps.

2. Verb:

   • To carry or transport, especially something heavy or cumbersome: The act of moving an object from one place to another, typically involving effort.

Examples

• Noun:

  • She packed her books into a canvas tote.
  • The beach tote was filled with towels and sunscreen.

• Verb:

  • He had to tote the heavy equipment up the stairs.
  • Can you help me tote these groceries to the car?

Advanced Usage

• "Tote bag": A specific type of large, often unfastened bag with parallel handles.

  • She prefers using a reusable tote bag for shopping.

• "Tote around": To carry something with you habitually or from place to place.

  • He totes his laptop around everywhere.

Variants and Related Words

• Toter (n): One who totes.
• Totable (adj): Capable of being toted.

Synonyms

• Noun (bag): Carryall, sack, holdall.
• Verb (carry): Lug, haul, cart, schlep.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Tote up: To add up; to calculate a total. (Note: This is a distinct phrasal verb where "tote" relates to "total").
  • The cashier will tote up your bill.

Related Idioms

• "Tote that barge, lift that bale": A phrase from the song "Ol' Man River," used to describe hard, physical labor.
  • The job required him to tote that barge, lift that bale, all day long.

Noun

1. a capacious bag or basket

Verb

1. carry with difficulty
   • You'll have to lug this suitcase