ben
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A benefit (performance to raise funds).
Register: slang
Examples
In the Chronicles of the Stage, some curious particulars are given relating to Sir Henry Herbert and the well-known Sir William Davidson, by which we learn, amongst other things, that a “ben” or benefit at Drury Lane, two centuries ago, was worth a hundred pounds.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “ben” mean?
A benefit (performance to raise funds).
Is “ben” formal or informal?
ben is generally slang.