tote

Tote is a noun and a verb. As a noun, tote most commonly refers to a tote bag: a large, unstructured bag with two parallel handles that emerge from the sides and an open top, designed to carry personal items. As a verb, tote means to carry or haul something, often something heavy or cumbersome.

A tote bag is designed for versatility. Common materials include canvas, cotton, leather, and synthetic fabrics. Sizes vary from compact to oversized, with capacities ranging from a few liters to well over ten liters. Typical features include long shoulder straps, a wide opening, and sometimes interior pockets, zippers, or magnetic closures. Some totes have reinforced bases or structured sides to help them keep their shape.

In everyday use, totes are popular for shopping, work, travel, and casual outings due to their practicality and ease of access. They can be plain and utilitarian or decorative, with patterns, branding, or embellishments. Variants include structured totes, tote purses, beach totes, and laptop totes, as well as specialized versions with internal dividers or security features.

The word tote also appears in gambling terminology. A tote, or totalizator pool, is a wagering system where payouts are determined by the total amount wagered. The Tote is a brand name used in some countries for pool betting on races and other events, distinct from fixed-odds bookmakers.

See also: bag, shopping bag, handbag, shoulder bag.