Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London and is usually extended to refer to both the clock and the clock tower.

Yes, strictly speaking, Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. While the world commonly uses "Big Ben" to refer to the entire tower, the structure itself was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee (prior to that, it was simply the "Clock Tower"). The bell weighs more than 13 tons and first rang out in 1859. Interestingly, the name is believed to be a tribute to Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works, whose name is inscribed on the bell. In 2026, following the massive multi-year renovation completed a few years ago, the bell and the tower are back in full operation, and the distinction between the "bell" and the "tower" remains a favorite trivia point for London tour guides and history enthusiasts alike.