jab
8 synonyms for jab, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A quick, sharp poke or short straight punch.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A quick, sharp poke or short straight punch.
“He landed a fast jab to his opponent's chin.”
How to use jab
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
flu jab
left jab
take a jab at
Etymology
Originally a Scots/Scottish English variant of "job" meaning to peck or poke, from Middle English "jobben".
Full origin of jab →Frequently asked questions
What does “jab” mean?
The word “jab” means a quick, sharp poke or short straight punch. In plain terms, a quick poke, punch, or (in British English) a vaccination shot — also used for a cutting verbal remark.
How do you pronounce “jab”?
“Jab” is pronounced jab (/d͡ʒæb/ in IPA).
How do you use “jab” in a sentence?
Here is “jab” used in a sentence: “He landed a fast jab to his opponent's chin.”
What part of speech is “jab”?
Depending on how it is used, “jab” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “jab” come from?
The word “jab” comes from Middle English. Originally a Scots/Scottish English variant of "job" meaning to peck or poke, from Middle English "jobben".
Is “jab” a common word?
“Jab” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “jab” have?
“Jab” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a quick, sharp poke or short straight punch.
Related words
jab jab
jab molassie
