noun

bib

BIB/bɪb/

A covering worn under the chin to protect clothing while eating.

The toddler wears a washable bib while eating tomato soup.

A toddler eating in a high chair wears a clearly visible cloth bib tied under the chin, with spilled food on the bib and a clean shirt beneath it.

Etymology

Bibben meant “to drink.” The cloth’s name may refer to use while drinking or to soaking up spills, alternatives the source offers if the verb comes from Latin bibere.

In context

Old Time Radio Researchers42:02

drooling in his bib how can you talk like this

Screen Directors Playhouse - Take a Letter, Darling

More examples

She fastens the baby's bib before lunch.
A pocket in the bib catches falling crumbs.
He removes the stained bib after the meal.

Forms

bib · bibs

Similar words

apron: Usually protects a larger area during work or cooking.
napkin: Usually rests on the lap or wipes the mouth.