tuck

6 synonyms for tuck, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To push, fold, or fit the loose edge of something neatly into place.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

gather

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

insert

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

tuck in stow pucker rapier

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To push, fold, or fit the loose edge of something neatly into place.

“She tucked the sheet under the mattress and smoothed it flat.”

tuck in stow insert pucker gather

2. noun

A fold stitched into fabric to take in its size or add shape.

“The dressmaker added a small tuck at the waist to fit her better.”

rapier

How to use tuck

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

tuck in a shirt tuck someone in tuck shop

Etymology

From Old English tūcian ("to torment, harass"), which softened over time into the modern sense of pulling or folding cloth neatly into place.

Full origin of tuck →

Frequently asked questions

What does “tuck” mean?

The word “tuck” means to push, fold, or fit the loose edge of something neatly into place. In plain terms, to fold or push something neatly into place — most often clothing or bedding.

How do you pronounce “tuck”?

“Tuck” is pronounced tuhk (/tʌk/ in IPA).

How do you use “tuck” in a sentence?

Here is “tuck” used in a sentence: “She tucked the sheet under the mattress and smoothed it flat.”

What part of speech is “tuck”?

Depending on how it is used, “tuck” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “tuck” come from?

The word “tuck” comes from Old English. From Old English tūcian ("to torment, harass"), which softened over time into the modern sense of pulling or folding cloth neatly into place.

Is “tuck” a common word?

“Tuck” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “tuck” have?

“Tuck” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to push, fold, or fit the loose edge of something neatly into place.

What is the difference between tuck and fold?

Tuck specifically means to push, fold, or fit the loose edge of something neatly into place, such as tucking a shirt into trousers, while fold more generally describes bending something over on itself without necessarily fitting it into a confined space. Tuck often implies securing or hiding an edge, whereas fold is a broader, more neutral action.

What does tuck mean in sewing?

In sewing, a tuck is a fold stitched into fabric to take in its size or add shape. Tucks are commonly used to adjust fit or create decorative detail on clothing.

What does tuck mean in British English?

In British, informal, and somewhat dated usage, tuck refers to snack food, especially sweets bought by schoolchildren, as in a tuck shop. This sense is distinct from the verb meaning to fold something into place.

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gather insert rapier stow pucker

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