Bib is a word that we often hear in our daily lives, especially when it comes to babies and eating. But what exactly does bib mean? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bib, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
A bib is a piece of cloth or plastic worn over the chest and neck to protect clothing from spills or stains during eating or drinking. It can also refer to a small piece of cloth or paper used to wipe the mouth or hands.
In addition, bib can also refer to a small bag or pouch worn around the waist to hold tools or supplies, or a flap of leather or cloth attached to a horse’s bridle to protect its chest.
Origin
The word bib originated from the Old English word “bibban” which means “to drink.” It was later used in Middle English to refer to a piece of cloth worn around the neck while eating or drinking. The modern usage of bib as a protective garment for infants and young children during feeding emerged in the early 20th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bib is defined as “a cloth or plastic shield tied under the chin and worn by young children to protect their clothes during meals.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines bib as “a piece of cloth or plastic worn around the neck to protect clothing from spills or stains during eating or drinking.”
Associations
Bib is often associated with infants and young children, as they are the primary users of bibs during feeding. It is also associated with messy eating and drinking, as the purpose of a bib is to protect clothing from spills and stains.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bib include:
- Apron.
- Smock.
- Napkin.
- Kerchief.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bib, as it is a specific item used for a particular purpose. However, some opposite concepts could include:
- Cleanliness.
- Neatness.
- Tidiness.
The same root words
The word bib does not have any direct root words, but its origin from the Old English word “bibban” relates to the word “beverage,” which comes from the Old French word “bevrage.”
Example Sentences
- “Please put a bib on the baby before feeding him.”
- “I always wear a bib when eating spaghetti to avoid getting sauce on my shirt.”
- “The carpenter wore a bib with pockets to hold his tools.”
- “The horse’s bib protected its chest from rubbing against the bridle.”