tuck

Tuck is a term with several distinct meanings in English, spanning textiles, clothing, and physical movement. In textile and sewing contexts, a tuck refers to a folded section of fabric that is stitched down to create a controlled fold. Tucks can run lengthwise or crosswise, and they may be single or multiple, decorative or functional, influencing the garment’s shape and fit.

In clothing and bedding, tuck is used as a verb to describe securing fabric by folding and inserting edges into place. Examples include tucking in a shirt to keep it neat or tucking sheets and blankets under a mattress. In sewing, a tuck can also describe a small seam or fold created to add structure or detail to a fabric without adding fullness.

In movement disciplines and sports, tuck denotes a compact body position. A tuck involves bringing the hips and knees toward the chest, often with the arms wrapped around the shins or knees. This position is common in gymnastics, diving, and figure skating to enable rotation and reduce moments of inertia, aiding speed and control during flips and twists. The term can also appear in descriptions of tumbling and aerial routines where a tight, tucked form is required.

Beyond textiles and movement, tuck appears in various phrases and everyday uses, such as tucking in clothing for a tidy appearance or tucking into a meal meaning to eat heartily. The word thus encompasses a range of practical, folding-related meanings in different domains.