/ tʌk; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb [ vn + adv. / prep. ]
1.
to push, fold or turn the ends or edges of clothes, paper, etc. so that they are held in place or look neat :
She tucked up her skirt and waded into the river.
The sheets should be tucked in neatly (= around the bed) .
Tuck the flap of the envelope in.
2.
to put sth into a small space, especially to hide it or keep it safe or comfortable :
She tucked her hair (up) under her cap.
He sat with his legs tucked up under him.
The letter had been tucked under a pile of papers.
3.
to cover sb with sth so that they are warm and comfortable :
She tucked a blanket around his legs.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- tuck sth away
- tuck sb in / up
- tuck in | tuck into sth
■ noun
1.
[ C ] a fold that is sewn into a piece of clothing or cloth, either for decoration or to change the shape of it
2.
[ C ] ( informal ) a medical operation in which skin and/or fat is removed to make sb look younger or thinner
3.
[ U ] ( old-fashioned , BrE , informal ) food, especially sweets, etc. eaten by children at school
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English tūcian to punish, ill-treat : of West Germanic origin; related to tug . Influenced in Middle English by Middle Dutch tucken pull sharply.