big ben
Definition
Proper noun: 1. The Great Bell: The primary, deep-toned bell housed within the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. 2. The Clock Tower (common metonymy): By common usage, the name often refers to the entire Elizabeth Tower (formerly known as the Clock Tower) and its iconic four-faced clock, which is a major landmark of London.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun (referring to the bell):
- The sound of Big Ben chiming is broadcast by the BBC.
- The original Big Ben bell cracked shortly after it was installed.
- Proper noun (referring to the tower/clock):
- The photograph shows the London Eye with Big Ben in the background.
- We could see Big Ben from our hotel window.
Advanced Usage
- Cultural Symbol: "Big Ben" is frequently used as a symbol to represent London or the British government.
- The news report from Parliament was introduced with an image of Big Ben.
- Personification: The bell/tower is often personified in literature and speech.
- Big Ben struck midnight, marking the new year.
Variants and Related Words
- Elizabeth Tower: The official name of the tower that houses Big Ben, renamed in 2012.
- Westminster Clock Tower: A former name for the Elizabeth Tower.
- The Great Clock of Westminster: The official name for the clock mechanism itself.
Synonyms
- Landmark: A prominent identifying feature of a landscape (e.g., ).
- Icon: A person or thing regarded as a representative symbol (e.g., ).
Related Phrases
- To chime like Big Ben: To make a loud, deep, resonant sound, often on the hour.
- The old church bell chimed like Big Ben.
- As reliable as Big Ben: Used to describe something extremely punctual or dependable.
- Her daily routine is as reliable as Big Ben.
Noun
-
clock in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, London
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