1 A2 informal
To make someone, especially a child, comfortable in bed by folding the bedcovers snugly around them.
"She kissed her daughter on the forehead and tucked her in for the night."
separable
tuck in
A2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To make someone comfortable in bed by pulling the covers around them, or to start eating enthusiastically.
In plain English
To cover someone with blankets so they're cosy in bed, or to start eating with enthusiasm.
What does "tuck in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
(British, informal) To begin eating with enthusiasm and appetite.
"The food arrived and everyone tucked in straight away."
inseparable
3 A2 neutral
To push or fold the edges of something (fabric, a shirt, sheets) neatly inward or underneath.
"Please tuck your shirt in before you go to the interview."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push or fold something inward (e.g. a shirt tucked into trousers).
Actually means
To cover someone with blankets so they're cosy in bed, or to start eating with enthusiasm.
Usage tip
The 'put to bed' sense is widely used in British and Australian English. The 'start eating' sense (intransitive) is chiefly British. As 'fold fabric in', it is separable and neutral in register.
Words that pair with "tuck in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children blanket bedtime shirt corners meal
How to conjugate "tuck in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tuck in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tucks in
he/she/it
Past simple
tucked in
yesterday
Past participle
tucked in
have + pp
-ing form
tucking in
continuous
Hear "tuck in" in the wild
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