Bib vs. Bibb — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
A bib is a garment worn from the neck on the chest to protect clothing from accidentally spilled food, whereas a bibb typically refers to a type of lettuce.
Difference Between Bib and Bibb
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bibs are made from a variety of materials like cloth, plastic, or silicone, designed to catch food or liquid spills. On the other hand, bibb lettuce, also known as butter lettuce, has small, round, and loose heads with soft, buttery-textured leaves that are especially prized in culinary uses.
While bibs are associated with practicality and cleanliness, focusing on protecting garments from stains and spills, bibb lettuce is appreciated for its culinary versatility, serving as a staple in fresh salads and various dishes.
Bibs are used across different ages, primarily for babies but also by elders in certain medical or dining scenarios, whereas bibb lettuce is universally used in cooking, irrespective of the consumer's age.
Despite their homophonic names, bibs and bibb lettuce serve entirely different purposes—one in the realm of personal hygiene and the other in gastronomy.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Protecting clothing from spills
Culinary, particularly in salads
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Material/Type
Made from cloth, plastic, or silicone
A type of lettuce
Functionality
Designed for cleanliness and practicality
Valued for its tender, mild leaves
Culinary Use
Not applicable
Essential for culinary uses, especially in salads
Compare with Definitions
Bib
Garment for protecting clothing.
The baby wore a bib to avoid staining her clothes during lunch.
Bibb
Known for tender leaves.
She chose bibb lettuce for the salad because of its buttery leaves.
Bib
Can be made of various materials.
His waterproof bib was perfect for the messy art project.
Bibb
Praised in gastronomy.
Gourmet cooks prefer bibb lettuce for its mild flavor and texture.
Bib
Used across different ages.
The elderly patient used a bib to keep his clothes clean while eating.
Bibb
Used in fresh salads.
The chef garnished the dish with a sprig of bibb lettuce.
Bib
Focuses on cleanliness.
Using a bib at the BBQ party saved my shirt from sauce stains.
Bibb
Type of lettuce.
Bibb lettuce is often used for its soft texture in gourmet salads.
Bib
Variety of designs.
The festive bibs were a hit at the children's dinner party.
Bibb
Culinary versatility.
Bibb lettuce wraps are a healthy alternative to bread.
Bib
A piece of cloth or plastic secured under the chin and worn, especially by small children, to protect the clothing while eating.
Bibb
(Nautical) A bracket on the mast of a ship to support the trestletrees.
Bib
The part of an apron or pair of overalls worn over the chest
"The day my son Laurie started kindergarten he renounced corduroy overalls with bibs and began wearing blue jeans with a belt" (Shirley Jackson).
Bibb
A bibcock.
Bib
Bibbed overalls worn while skiing.
Bibb
Synonym of bibcock.
Bib
A piece of cloth or plastic bearing a number, usually worn over the chest or back, identifying a competitor in a race.
Bib
A patch of differently colored feathers or fur on the throat or chest of a bird or mammal.
Bib
To drink or indulge in drinking.
Bib
An item of clothing for people (especially babies) tied around their neck to protect their clothes from getting dirty when eating.
Bib
Similar items of clothing such as the Chinese dudou and Vietnamese yem.
Bib
(sports) A rectangular piece of material, carrying a bib number, worn as identification by entrants in a race.
Bib
(sports) A colourful polyester or plastic vest worn over one's clothes, usually to mark one's team during group activities.
Bib
The upper part of an apron or overalls.
Bib
(cycling) Shorts which are held up by suspenders.
Bib
A north Atlantic fish (Trisopterus luscus), allied to the cod.
Bib
A bibb (bibcock).
Bib
(transitive) To dress (somebody) in a bib.
Bib
To drink heartily; to tipple.
Bib
A bibcock.
Bib
To drink; to tipple.
This miller hath . . . bibbed ale.
Bib
To drink; to sip; to tipple.
He was constantly bibbing.
Bib
Top part of an apron; covering the chest
Bib
A napkin tied under the chin a child while eating
Bib
Drink moderately but regularly;
We tippled the cognac
Common Curiosities
How is bibb lettuce different from other lettuces?
Bibb lettuce is distinguished by its small, round heads and soft, buttery-textured leaves.
What is bibb lettuce?
Bibb lettuce, also known as butter lettuce, is a type of lettuce with tender, buttery leaves, often used in salads.
What is a bib?
A bib is a piece of cloth or other material worn on the chest to protect clothing from spilled food.
How do you clean a bib?
Cleaning methods vary; cloth bibs can often be machine washed, while plastic or silicone bibs might be wiped down or washed by hand.
What dishes can you make with bibb lettuce?
Bibb lettuce can be used in salads, wraps, and as a garnish for numerous dishes.
How do you select a good bibb lettuce?
Look for leaves that are clean, crisp, and free of blemishes or wilting.
Are there different types of bibs?
Yes, there are many types of bibs, including disposable, waterproof, and long-sleeved bibs, among others.
Can bibb lettuce be cooked?
While it's typically used fresh, bibb lettuce can also be lightly grilled or wilted in warm dishes.
Why is bibb lettuce popular in gourmet cooking?
Its tender, mild leaves make it a preferred choice for delicate salads and dishes in gourmet cooking.
Can bibs be made of plastic?
Yes, bibs can be made of various materials, including plastic, which is often used for its ease of cleaning.
Is bibb lettuce good for health?
Bibb lettuce is low in calories and contains various vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
What makes bibb lettuce a "butter" lettuce?
Its soft, buttery-textured leaves are what give bibb lettuce its nickname, "butter lettuce."
Do all babies need bibs?
While not all babies might need bibs, they are commonly used to keep clothing clean during feeding.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
