Jab
/dʒæb/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo poke or thrust quickly and sharply, typically with a pointed object.
/dʒæb/
To poke or thrust quickly and sharply.
The doctor jabbed the needle into my arm.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone quickly poking you with their finger – that's a jab! It’s a quick, sharp movement. Like when a boxer throws a quick punch to test their opponent.
👶 For kids: To poke someone quickly, like a tiny little punch!
More Examples
He jabbed at the computer keys in frustration.
The cat jabbed at the dangling toy.
How It's Used
"The boxer jabbed his opponent, aiming to create an opening for a power punch."
"He jabbed at the air with his finger to emphasize his point."
A quick, sharp poke or thrust, or the act of doing it.
/dʒæb/
A quick, sharp poke or thrust.
The boxer threw a series of jabs.
💡 Simply: A jab is like a quick poke or a little punch. Think of a boxer throwing a jab – it’s quick and sharp. Or a medical jab, like a flu shot.
👶 For kids: A quick little poke!
More Examples
I received a jab for my vaccination.
The child gave his brother a playful jab.
How It's Used
"The boxer landed a quick jab to his opponent's face."
"He received a flu jab to protect against the virus."
Idioms & expressions
jab at someone/something
To make a quick, critical remark about someone or something.
"He often jabs at his colleagues in the office."
jabber
To talk rapidly and continuously, often about unimportant things.
"The children jabbered away excitedly about their day."
Likely of imitative origin, possibly from a sound or action like a sudden poke or thrust. It appeared in English in the late 18th century.
Used in military contexts in the 19th century to describe a quick thrust or bayonet movement, expanding to a broader sense of sudden, sharp action.
Memory tip
Imagine a quick, sharp poke. JAB!
Word Origin
"To poke or thrust quickly."