tot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Rare)Informal (when referring to a child or drink); Formal/Technical (when meaning 'to total').
Quick answer
What does “tot” mean?
A very young child, especially one who is just learning to walk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very young child, especially one who is just learning to walk.
A small measure of an alcoholic drink, especially spirits. Informally, a small amount of anything. Verb: to add up numbers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The sense of 'a small child' is more common in UK English. The verb 'to tot (up)' is used in both varieties.
Connotations
In the UK, 'tot' (child) is informal and affectionate. In the US, the primary association is with a small amount of liquor or the verb.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. The 'child' sense is more frequent in UK sources; the 'drink' sense is understood but not dominant in either.
Grammar
How to Use “tot” in a Sentence
[N] as a tot[V] tot up [NP][NP] a tot of [N]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you tot up the scores for the quiz?
- I need to tot my expenses before submitting the form.
American English
- She totted the bill quickly on her calculator.
- Let me just tot up what we owe.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- N/A (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard as an adjective)
American English
- N/A (Not standard as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The verb 'to tot up' figures/expenses is occasionally used.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Informal, for small children (UK) or a small drink.
Technical
The verb can appear in accounting contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tot”
- Using 'tot' in formal writing to mean 'child'.
- Confusing the three unrelated meanings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively rare and used mostly in informal contexts or specific phrases.
They are largely synonymous, but 'tot' is more informal and affectionate. A 'tot' often implies a slightly younger child.
Yes, 'to tot (up)' meaning to add numbers is used in both British and American English, though it's not extremely common.
No, it is generally affectionate and informal. However, it might be considered overly casual or diminutive in some formal contexts.
A very young child, especially one who is just learning to walk.
Tot is usually informal (when referring to a child or drink); formal/technical (when meaning 'to total'). in register.
Tot: in British English it is pronounced /tɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Toddlers and tots (nursery/playgroup context)”
- “Tot it all up”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A TOT is a TOTS (Tiny One Taking Steps).
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL IS YOUNG (for the child sense); QUANTITY IS VERTICAL HEIGHT (to 'tot up' implies building a sum).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'tot' refer to an alcoholic drink?