bib and brace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Workwear; somewhat dated informal British English
Quick answer
What does “bib and brace” mean?
A type of protective workwear consisting of a sleeveless upper garment (bib) that covers the chest and attaches to trousers (braces) with straps over the shoulders.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of protective workwear consisting of a sleeveless upper garment (bib) that covers the chest and attaches to trousers (braces) with straps over the shoulders.
Often refers specifically to dungarees or overalls worn for manual labour, construction, farming, or painting. The term emphasizes the integrated bib and trouser design held up by shoulder straps rather than a belt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Common, specific term for a garment. US: Rare; 'overalls' or 'coveralls' are standard.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with blue-collar work (builders, mechanics, farmers). US: If used, would be perceived as a very British term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK workwear contexts; very low frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “bib and brace” in a Sentence
[Agent] wore a bib and brace[Agent] was kitted out in bib and brace[Patient] was protected by a bib and braceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bib and brace” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He changed into his bib-and-brace overalls.
- The bib-and-brace design offers more freedom of movement.
American English
- He wore bib-and-brace dungarees for the farm work.
- (Rare in US adjective use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement for uniform or PPE supplies.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in historical or sociological studies of work.
Everyday
Common in UK contexts discussing manual work, DIY, or gardening.
Technical
Common in occupational health & safety, workwear manufacturing, and trade catalogues.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bib and brace”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bib and brace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bib and brace”
- Using 'bib and braces' (plural) for the garment itself. 'Braces' in the term is already plural. 'Bib and brace' is the correct noun phrase.
- Confusing with 'suspenders' (US) which are just the straps, not the whole garment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In UK usage, they are largely synonymous for the garment. 'Bib and brace' specifically highlights the bib and shoulder straps, while 'dungarees' can sometimes refer to a more casual, fashion version.
Yes, it is a singular countable noun: 'He bought a new bib and brace.' The plural is 'bib and braces' (e.g., 'several pairs of bib and braces').
Yes, it refers to the style/function of garment, not the wearer's gender. Workwear is available in bib and brace designs for all genders.
'Bib and brace' typically stops at the waist or hips, like trousers with a attached chest piece. 'Coveralls' (or 'boilersuit') are a full one-piece garment, usually with long sleeves and covering the entire torso.
A type of protective workwear consisting of a sleeveless upper garment (bib) that covers the chest and attaches to trousers (braces) with straps over the shoulders.
Bib and brace is usually technical/workwear; somewhat dated informal british english in register.
Bib and brace: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪb ən ˈbreɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪb ən ˈbreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dressed in full bib and brace (meaning: fully equipped for a job)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a baby's BIB that covers the front, and BRACES (suspenders) that hold up trousers. Combined, they make a worker's one-piece garment.
Conceptual Metaphor
GARMENT FOR FUNCTION IS ARMOR FOR LABOR (protective, utilitarian, shielding the core).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to hear the term 'bib and brace'?