to put something into a small space so that it is safe, comfortable, or tidy, to push the ends of a piece of clothing or material under or behind something in order to hold it in place, to eat heartily or greedily

tuck tail and run, tuck into bed, tuck one's tail between one's legs

Formal and Informal Expressions of tuck

In different contexts, you can replace 'tuck' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'insert, place' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'stash, chow down' is a commonplace synonym.

tuck: Explore its Definition & Usage

tuck Definition

1to put something into a small space so that it is safe, comfortable, or tidy
2to push the ends of a piece of clothing or material under or behind something in order to hold it in place
3to eat heartily or greedily

Using tuck: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tuck" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She tucked her hair behind her ears.
Example
He tucked his shirt into his pants.
Example
I tucked the letter away in my drawer.
Example
The child was tucked up in bed.
Example
He tucked into his meal with relish.

tuck Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tuck

Antonyms for tuck

Idioms Using tuck

tuck tail and run
to retreat or flee from a situation, often due to fear or cowardice
Example
When they heard the loud noise, the burglars tucked tail and ran.
tuck into bed
to go to bed
Example
It's getting late, let's tuck into bed.
tuck one's tail between one's legs
to show shame or embarrassment after a failure or defeat
Example
After losing the game, the team tucked their tails between their legs and left the field.

Phrases with tuck

tuck away
to store something in a safe or secret place
Example
She had tucked away some money for emergencies.
tuck in
to make someone, especially a child, comfortable in bed by pulling the covers tightly around them
Example
She tucked the child in and kissed him goodnight.
tuck into
to start eating something eagerly and with enthusiasm
Example
We all tucked into the delicious food.

Origins of tuck

from Middle English 'tukken', meaning 'to pull, pluck'

📌

Summary: tuck in Brief

The verb 'tuck' [tʌk] means to put something into a small space for safety or tidiness, to secure clothing or material, or to eat heartily. Examples include 'She tucked her hair behind her ears,' 'He tucked his shirt into his pants,' and 'He tucked into his meal with relish.' Phrases like 'tuck away' and 'tuck in' denote storing something safely or making someone comfortable in bed, respectively. Idioms like 'tuck tail and run' and 'tuck one's tail between one's legs' express fleeing or showing shame after a failure or defeat.