jab

[jab]

verb (used with object)

jabbed, jabbing 

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, jabbing 

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

Other Word Forms

• jabbingly adverb
• jabbing adjective

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

In England, the National Health Service issued a “flu jab SOS,” urging those eligible for the free vaccine to get it quickly and protect themselves this winter.

Read more on Salon

British health officials this month issued a “flu jab SOS,” as an early wave struck the nation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As I listened, it dawned on me that the melody was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a subtle but welcome jab at an overheated homily.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Professor Riley recommends the flu jab which takes from seven to 10 days after the jab to take effect.

Read more on BBC

The inquiry did however praise the government for the "remarkable" rollout of the vaccination programme and how it exited the lockdown of early 2021, allowing time for vulnerable groups to get the jab.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• dig 
• punch