tuck
tuck Lexical Profile
tuck Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To push, fold, or turn the edges or ends of something, especially a garment or sheet, into a compact space so as to hold it securely or neatly in place.
"He paused in the hallway to tuck his dress shirt neatly into his trousers before entering the meeting."
To put or store something in a safe, concealed, or snug place.
"She decided to tuck the spare house key inside an envelope at the back of her desk drawer."
To make someone comfortable in bed by pulling the sheets and blankets snugly around them.
"Every evening after reading a story, the parents tuck their children into bed and turn on the nightlight."
To draw, bend, or pull a body part, such as the legs, chin, or wings, closely into the body for compactness or protection.
"The owl began to tuck its head beneath its wing to rest during the bright afternoon."
• noun
A flattened, stitched fold or pleat in a garment or piece of fabric, made either for decoration or to make the item fit more closely.
"The tailor sewed a neat tuck along the waistline of the dress so it would fit better."
A compact body position in gymnastics, diving, or skiing in which the knees are bent and drawn tightly up against the chest.
"The diver held a tight tuck during the double somersault before straightening out to enter the water."
A cosmetic surgical procedure in which excess skin or fat is removed to tighten a part of the body.
"Following significant weight loss, the patient consulted a plastic surgeon about an abdominal tuck."
British Food, particularly sweets, pastries, and snacks, eaten by students at school.
"After afternoon sports, the boarding school students lined up at the shop to buy their weekly tuck."
• Rhymes for tuck
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English tuken ('to pull sharply, tug, or fold cloth'), derived from Old English tucian ('to disturb, ill-treat, or tug'), reinforced by Middle Low German tucken ('to pull up or gather').