jab

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a quick, straight punch in boxing.

n. a short, straight punch delivered with the leading hand.

“The boxer used a quick jab to keep his opponent at a distance.”

“The trainer emphasized the importance of a stiff jab to set up more powerful combinations later in the round.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a sharp, sudden poke with a finger or a pointed object.

n. a quick, sharp thrust or poke with a finger, elbow, or pointed instrument.

“He gave me a sharp jab in the ribs to get my attention.”

“She felt a sudden jab of pain in her shoulder as she tried to lift the heavy crate onto the shelf.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a quick, clever remark intended to criticize or mock someone.

n. a sharp, often witty verbal criticism or insult directed at a person.

“His speech included a few playful jabs at his rival's recent failures.”

“The political columnist is known for taking subtle jabs at the administration's economic policies in every Sunday edition.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to push something sharp or pointed into something else quickly.

v. to poke or thrust abruptly or sharply with a finger or object.

“She jabbed her finger at the map to show us exactly where we were.”

“The chef jabbed the meat with a fork to check if it was tender enough to serve.”