What does bib mean?
A bib is a small garment or cloth worn under the chin, most familiarly on babies and toddlers, designed to shield clothing from spilled food, drool, and general mealtime mess. Made of absorbent fabric, plastic, or disposable paper, it fastens around the neck and is a staple of early childhood care. The word also names the broad front panel that covers the chest of overalls or dungarees, as in workwear or cycling bib shorts. Figuratively, the phrase 'one's best bib and tucker', now somewhat old-fashioned British slang, refers to a person's finest outfit. The noun may derive from an older English verb 'bib', meaning to drink, which would connect it to words like 'imbibe' and 'bibulous'. Simple, practical, and universally understood, 'bib' is a common household word whose imagery of infancy makes it a frequent shorthand for babyhood itself.
A piece of cloth or plastic worn under the chin, especially by young children, to protect clothing during meals.
"Don't forget to bring a spare bib in the diaper bag."
Also applied by analogy to similar garments worn by adults eating messy foods, such as lobster.
The upper front portion of overalls or dungarees that covers the chest.
"The carpenter kept a pencil tucked into the bib of his overalls."
(Now chiefly archaic) To drink, especially heartily or habitually.
"In the tavern they would bib their ale long into the night."
This sense is obsolete except in the derived adjective 'bibulous'.
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple bibs, such as a supply of baby bibs.
"We bought a pack of five waterproof bibs for the twins."
In the 18th century, your 'best bib and tucker' meant your fanciest outfit — proof that even formal dress once revolved around a humble feeding cloth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bib
The noun 'bib' first appears in English in the sixteenth century, though its ultimate origin is uncertain. Many etymologists link it to the older verb 'bib', meaning to drink, which would make it a relative of Latin 'bibere', the root behind 'imbibe' and 'bibulous'. The extension to the front panel of overalls arose later, from the resemblance of that panel to a child's bib.
How bib is actually used
Entirely neutral in register and used in both everyday speech and writing. The drinking sense of 'bib' survives mainly in the adjective 'bibulous', meaning given to heavy drinking, and is otherwise obsolete.
Easily confused with bib
A nib is the pointed metal tip of a pen that delivers ink, whereas a bib is a garment worn to catch food or drink.
A fib is a trivial lie told by someone, whereas a bib is a protective cloth worn under the chin.