Definition

Adjective 1. Placed or pushed into a confined, secure, or hidden position: Describes something that has been inserted, folded, or arranged neatly into a space or under another object to be held firmly in place or to create a neat appearance. 2. Made to fit closely by being drawn in or stitched: Describes fabric or material that has been sewn with folds or pleats to create a shaped, fitted effect.

Usage and Examples

• The tucked sheets stayed in place all night.
• She felt safe and warm with the blankets tucked tightly around her.
• He wore a tucked shirt with crisp pleats for the formal interview.
• The letter was tucked inside the book for safekeeping.

Advanced Usage

• "neatly tucked": Emphasizes the orderly and precise nature of the placement.
  • Her hair was neatly tucked under her cap.
• "tucked away": A common phrasal verb form meaning hidden or stored in a secluded place. While "tucked" alone describes the state, "tucked away" emphasizes the action and result of concealing.
  • The cottage was tucked away in a remote valley.

Variants and Related Words

• Tuck (verb): The action from which the adjective is derived. Meaning to push, fold, or turn the edges or ends of something into a confined space to secure it.
  • He forgot to tuck in his shirt.
• Tucking (noun/gerund): The process or action of making something tucked.
  • The tucking of the fabric creates the decorative pattern.

Synonyms

• Inserted: Placed into something.
• Stowed: Packed or stored away neatly.
• Pleated (for fabric): Folded and stitched into uniform creases.
• Nested: Snugly fitted inside.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the root verb 'tuck')

• Tuck in:
  • To place bedding securely around someone.

    • She tucked the child in and read a story.
  • To push the edges of a garment into another garment (e.g., a shirt into pants).

    • You should tuck in your uniform.
• Tuck into (British English): To eat food with enthusiasm.
  • He tucked into the large meal happily.

Related Idioms

• "Tucked up": Snugly wrapped in bed or blankets.
  • The children were already tucked up asleep.
• "Nip and tuck": A closely contested competition where the outcome is uncertain. (Note: This idiom uses 'tuck' in a different, specialized sense related to surgery or narrowing margins).
  • The race was nip and tuck until the final lap.

Adjective

1. having tucked or being tucked
   • tightly tucked blankets
   • a fancy tucked shirt