Bib (garment)

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A dentist applies a dental bib to a young patient.

A bib is a garment worn hanging from the neck on the chest to protect clothing from spilling. It may be made of cloth, plastic or other materials.

The word, reported in English since 1580, stems from a verb bibben "to drink" (c.1380), from Latin bibere, either because it was worn while drinking or because it "soaked up" spills.

Bibs are frequently used by children but also by some adults. During pregnancy, some women choose to wear a bib while eating. Bibs are also worn when consuming certain "difficult" foods, such as lobsters.

The term bib may also refer to the part of a garment that covers the chest. For instance, an apron that covers the chest may be referred to as a bib apron. The part of a jumper dress or an overall that covers the chest may also be referred to as a bib. In sport, it may refer to a garment that used by a team to identify themselves on the field of play.

Paper bibs are also commonly used in dentist offices to protect the patient's clothing during checkups and cleanings. Another medical use is during an x-ray, a lead bib can be put over a patient to prevent the radiation from spreading to parts other than the part of the body being tested.