jab

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "jab" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to poke something sharply, or as a noun to describe a quick, sharp, short blow. Example Sentence: He threw a jab at his opponent during the boxing match.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Medical

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the surface of it, Museveni's opening gamut was pure demagoguery – a jab at the west and an absurd reproach against gay zombies.

The Guardian

The game did not lack passion and London Irish's Samoan flanker Ofisa Treviranus was lucky not to be shown a yellow card for his left jab into the head of another Australian, the tighthead prop Salesi Ma'afu, and O'Connor continued to look dangerous.

The Guardian - Sport

I had a good left jab and I just used that a lot.

The Guardian - Film

So shouldn't you be booking your pre-schooler for their jab right now?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To have enough of an effect, it may be necessary to add a booster jab – possibly one of the other vaccines now being trialled.

The Guardian

They should ensure they have proper medication, get their flu jab if they have not yet done so and seek advice from their pharmacist or their GPs for colds, coughs and minor ailments".

The Guardian

But the photos had been deployed by Tevez as a metaphorical jab at Torino, when he posted them on Twitter earlier that evening.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Sport picture of the day: boxing – bloody hell The champion, in the second defence of the IBF title he won against Shawn Porter last August, peppered Gavin with his jab in the first couple of rounds before connecting with a hard right in the third.

The Guardian - Sport

I haven't had the swine flu jab yet because I'm not in a risk group; but as soon as I can get it, I will.

The Guardian

It's what you have done," Perry said, a thinly veiled jab he has used in recent months to question whether a trio of first-term senators also running for the GOP nomination are ready to serve in the nation's highest office.

The Guardian

And have the thousands of tweets on the subject, not to mention this article, simply told Vice that it has found a tender spot in our collective consciousness, which it can jab to great effect?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In boxing contexts, use "jab" to specifically denote a quick, straight punch, distinguishing it from other types of punches.

Common error

Avoid using "jab" interchangeably with words like "stab" or "punch" without considering the context. "Jab" implies a quick, less forceful action, while "stab" suggests penetration with a sharp object, and "punch" can refer to various types of blows.

Linguistic Context

The word "jab" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a quick punch or injection. As a verb, it describes the action of poking or injecting quickly. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and versatility of this word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sport

21%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "jab" is a versatile term in the English language, functioning as both a noun and a verb with multiple meanings. It can refer to a quick punch in boxing, an injection, or a sharp remark. As Ludwig AI confirms, "jab" is grammatically sound and widely used. The term is most frequently found in news and media and sport contexts. While generally neutral to informal, its medical usage can be considered professional. When using "jab", consider the context to avoid confusion with similar words like "stab" or "punch". Consider the audience of your content and choose the word accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poke

This refers to a quick, light thrust or touch, similar to one meaning of "jab", but generally less forceful.

prick

Suggests a small puncture, often associated with needles, close to the medical meaning of "jab".

injection

This refers specifically to the act of administering medicine with a needle, a particular type of "jab".

shot

A common colloquialism for a medical injection, mirroring a specific sense of "jab".

punch

This relates to the boxing context of "jab", denoting a short, sharp blow.

dig

This is a quick poke or nudge, physically or verbally, similar to the less forceful uses of "jab".

slight

This refers to a minor insult or critical remark, analogous to the figurative use of "jab" as a verbal annoyance.

criticism

Focuses on the disapproving judgement communicated, whereas "jab" implies a briefer, more pointed remark.

taunt

This suggests a more prolonged or aggressive form of teasing compared to a quick "jab".

insult

A more direct and potentially offensive form of verbal attack than a "jab", which can be more subtle.

FAQs

How is "jab" used in a sentence?

"Jab" can be used as a noun, such as, "He delivered a sharp jab to his opponent's face". It can also be used as a verb, such as, "The doctor will jab you with a needle".

What's another word for a "jab"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "poke", "prick", "injection", or "punch" instead of "jab".

When should I use "jab" versus "injection"?

"Jab" is an informal term often used in British English for an injection. "Injection" is a more formal and universally understood term. Use "injection" in formal or medical contexts, and "jab" in informal settings.

Is "jab" only used in the context of medicine?

No, "jab" can also refer to a quick punch in boxing or a sharp, critical remark. However, its usage in medical contexts, referring to vaccinations or injections, is quite common.