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Added 9 October 2026

jab

/d͡ʒæb/ noun

In Latin: scōmma Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about jab at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow).
he warned me with a jab with his finger
A quick short straight punch.
The act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow.
she gave me a sharp dig in the ribs

verb

Poke or thrust abruptly.
he jabbed his finger into her ribs
Strike or punch with quick and short blows.
Stab or pierce.
he jabbed the piece of meat with his pocket knife

Origin

Originally a Scottish (unclear if Scots or Scottish English) form of English job (“peck, poke, thrust”), from Middle English jobben.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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