English Reference
noun · adverb

ben

n. · adv.
US /ˈbɛn/ UK /bˈɛn/ ben

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishDialect

    n.a high mountain or peak, especially in Scotland.

    n.a high mountain or peak; used primarily in Scottish and Irish geographical naming conventions.

    Simple

    We spent the whole day hiking up the ben to see the view from the top.

    In context

    The climbers struggled against the wind as they neared the summit of the ben, which remained shrouded in thick mist throughout the afternoon.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced American EnglishSlang

    n.a one-hundred-dollar bill in the United States.

    n.a United States one-hundred-dollar bill, referring to the portrait of Benjamin Franklin.

    Simple

    He pulled a couple of bens out of his wallet to pay for the new bike.

    In context

    The lyrics frequently reference stacking bens as a metaphor for achieving rapid financial success in the music industry.

    c notebenjamin
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency British EnglishDialectArchaic

    n.the inner room of a small house or cottage.

    n.the inner or principal room of a two-room cottage, traditionally distinguished from the 'but' or outer room.

    Simple

    The family gathered in the ben where it was warmer and more private.

    In context

    In traditional Scottish architecture, the ben served as the more formal living space, reserved for receiving guests or sleeping.

    inner roomparlour
    but
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency British EnglishDialect

    adv.inside or towards the inner part of a house.

    adv.in or towards the inner part of a building; used as a directional adverb.

    Simple

    She invited the neighbours to come ben and have some tea.

    In context

    The host gestured for the visitors to step ben, away from the cold draft of the open doorway.

  5. 05 A1 Beginner

    n.a short form of the male names Benjamin or Benedict.

    n.a common hypocorism or shortened form of the masculine given names Benjamin or Benedict.

    Simple

    My friend Ben is coming over to help me fix my computer tonight.

    In context

    While his legal name was Benjamin, he preferred to be addressed as Ben in all professional and social contexts.

This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Common
Updated