verb
tuck
tuhk
verb
1
To push, fold, or fit the loose edge of something neatly into place.
"She tucked the sheet under the mattress and smoothed it flat."
"He tucked his shirt into his trousers before the interview."
noun
1
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."
2
(British, informal, dated) Snack food, especially sweets bought by schoolchildren.
"They spent their pocket money on tuck from the shop by the school gates."
How to Use Tuck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo fold or push something neatly into place — most often clothing or bedding.
Common pairings
tuck in a shirt
tuck someone in
tuck shop
Word Forms
tucks plural, tucks plural, tucks plural, Tucks plural
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Etymology
From Old English tūcian ("to torment, harass"), which softened over time into the modern sense of pulling or folding cloth neatly into place.