jab

[ jab ]

verb (used with object)

, jabbed, jab·bing.

1. to poke, or thrust abruptly or sharply, as with the end or point of a stick or with the finger or elbow.
2. to punch with a short, quick blow.
3. Informal. to give (a person) a hypodermic injection, especially of a vaccine: I jab myself with insulin twice a day.

   Here’s a list of the countries you can visit if you haven’t been jabbed.

   I jab myself with insulin twice a day.

verb (used without object)

, jabbed, jab·bing.

1. to poke or punch with a sharp, quick blow.

noun

1. a poke with the end or point of something; a sharp, quick thrust.
2. a short, quick punch.
3. Informal. a hypodermic injection, especially of a vaccine:

   Have you gotten your flu jab yet?

4. Informal. an abrupt insult or critical remark:

   That guy has no problem responding with a sarcastic jab.

5. a sudden and unpleasant sensation or emotion: He knew she was happier now, but he still felt the slightest jab of guilt.

   I have jabs of pain, numbness, and tingling in my fingers.

   He knew she was happier now, but he still felt the slightest jab of guilt.

jab

/ dʒæb /

verb

1. to poke or thrust sharply
2. to strike with a quick short blow or blows

noun

1. a sharp poke or stab
2. a quick short blow, esp (in boxing) a straight punch with the leading hand
3. informal.
   an injection

   polio jabs

Derived Forms

• ˈjabbingly, adverb
• ˈjabbing, adjective

Other Words From

• jab·bing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of jab¹

First recorded in 1825–35; variant, originally Scots, of job ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of jab¹

C19: originally Scottish variant of job

Example Sentences

Talking about the influence of the crosstown rivalry in homes across Southern California, DeShaun Foster could not help but take a jab at the school he wouldn’t call by name.

From Los Angeles Times

A straight left jab followed by a short right hand left Miocic with a cut below his right eye midway through the fight, before the defining moment came.

From BBC

There is some uncertainty, especially in the proportion of people who did not receive a jab.

From BBC

The 2019 murder of 76-year-old Chyong Jen Tsai was as gruesome as it was unexpected; the Arcadia grandmother was found dead in her own backyard after she was viciously attacked with a hammer, a jab saw and a box cutter, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

The comedian also took a jab at Musk’s family life.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dig
• punch