What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mutuel
Example
The mutuel system is used in many types of gambling, including horse racing. [mutuel: noun]
Example
I won $50 at the mutuel window by betting on the winning horse. [mutuel: adjective]
tote
Example
I placed my bet at the tote window before the race started. [tote: noun]
Example
The tote board displayed the odds for each horse in the race. [tote: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mutuel is more commonly used in North America, while tote is more commonly used in the UK and Australia. However, both words are relatively uncommon in everyday language and are mostly used in the context of gambling and horse racing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mutuel and tote?
Mutuel has a more formal connotation than tote, but both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
