Jab
/dʒæb/
nounverbB1
Definition
A jab means a fast, light punch or poke, usually with a finger, hand, or a small pointed object like a needle. As a verb, it means to push or hit quickly in this way. It is often used in sports like boxing or when talking about medical injections.
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See It in Action
Quick, light hit or poke
- •The boxer threw a quick jab to his opponent’s face.
- •She gave a jab with her finger to get his attention.
- •He jabbed the button on the remote control to change the channel.
A small injection with a needle (informal)
- •I got my flu jab at the clinic yesterday.
- •The doctor gave me a jab to help prevent illness.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "jab" like "hit" (A1 word), but much faster and smaller—not a big punch, just a quick poke or push
- ✓Picture a boxer quickly hitting with their front hand, fast and sharp but not very strong
- ✓It's the feeling when a nurse gives you a small needle shot—quick and a little sting
- ✓Sounds like "jab" → imagine a quick jab of a finger poking your arm suddenly
- ✓Think of a boxing match where the fighter uses many jabs to test the opponent
- ✓NOT like "punch" (strong, powerful hit)—jab is lighter and faster
- ✓NOT like "poke" (slow and gentle)—jab is quick and sharp
- ✓NOT like "injection" (the full act)—jab is the quick moment of the needle entering the skin
Try Other Words
- •Poke: quick push with a finger (Use when the action is gentle and slower than a jab)
- •Prick: small, sharp puncture (Use mainly for needles or small sharp points)
- •Tap: light touch or hit (Use when the action is softer and less sharp)
- •Strike: to hit (Use when the hit is more forceful or formal)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) — simple root word
- •Etymology: From Middle English "jabben," meaning to strike or thrust quickly
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe quick thrusts or pokes, especially in fighting or with tools
- •Modern usage: Common in boxing for a type of punch, also used informally for injections or quick pokes
Reflect & Connect
•How does the speed and force of a jab change its effect compared to a punch or a poke?
•Can the word "jab" be used in non-physical situations? How might that change its meaning?
Fill in the blanks
1.In boxing, a jab is used to ___ the opponent quickly without using too much strength.
2.When the nurse gave me a jab, I felt a quick ___ in my arm.
3.A jab is different from a punch because it is faster and less ___.
4.He jabbed his finger ___ to get her attention during the meeting.
5.You can say someone "jabbed at" a button when they press it ___ and repeatedly.
6.The doctor said the flu jab helps ___ you from getting sick.
7.Unlike a slow poke, a jab is a ___ and sharp movement.