big ben: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Informal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “big ben” mean?
The Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower itself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower itself.
A globally recognized symbol of London and the United Kingdom, representing British government, tradition, and timekeeping. Often used metonymically for the British Parliament or the UK.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in reference. Americans are less likely to be aware that 'Big Ben' strictly refers to the bell.
Connotations
For Britons: a national icon, a familiar sound, a symbol of home. For Americans/others: a primary symbol of London and Britishness.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English due to domestic news and cultural context.
Grammar
How to Use “big ben” in a Sentence
Big Ben + verb (chimes, strikes, bongs)verb + Big Ben (see, hear, visit)preposition + Big Ben (at, near, by)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “big ben” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a Big Ben moment
- Big Ben-style chimes
American English
- Big Ben-like precision
- a Big Ben view
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used in branding or marketing for a British theme (e.g., 'Big Ben reliability').
Academic
Used in historical, architectural, or political studies as a cultural symbol.
Everyday
Common in travel discussions, news references to UK Parliament, and as a symbol of time (e.g., 'Wait until Big Ben chimes').
Technical
Used in horology (clock-making) or bell-casting contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “big ben”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big ben”
- Incorrect: 'the Big Ben' (no definite article). Correct: 'Big Ben' or 'the clock tower known as Big Ben'.
- Confusing the bell (Big Ben) with the tower (Elizabeth Tower).
- Misspelling as 'Big Ben's' when not possessive.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Strictly speaking, Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell. However, common usage often extends the name to refer to the clock and the clock tower (officially the Elizabeth Tower).
The origin is uncertain but is popularly believed to be named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works when the bell was installed, who was a large man nicknamed 'Big Ben'.
Tours to see the bell and clock mechanism inside the Elizabeth Tower are available but are restricted to UK residents who book through their MP, subject to availability and security.
It is renowned for its reliability. Its accuracy is maintained by a team of clockmakers and is adjusted using old penny coins added to or removed from the pendulum.
The Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower itself.
Big ben is usually formal, informal, journalistic in register.
Big ben: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈben/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈbɛn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Big Ben has a BIG BELL that tells the time. Think: BIG BELL = BIG BEN.
Conceptual Metaphor
BIG BEN IS A HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION (regular, reliable, central). BIG BEN IS THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Big Ben' most accurately refer to?