belonging

noun

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce belonging (audio)
bē-
1
: possession
usually used in plural
2
: close or intimate relationship
a sense of belonging
belongingness noun

Examples of belonging in a Sentence

the warm welcome they received from the community gave them a sense of belonging packed up all their belongings and moved across the country
Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile back in the U.S., the Grogg family found their way back to Logansport, where friends and family are assisting them as their belongings remain in Dominica. Alexandria Burris, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Mar. 2024 Later, they were instructed to pack their belongings and move to a guesthouse run by Nigeria’s National Security Agency, as stated by their families, per reports. Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 Some of the victim’s belongings were recovered, including the Chevrolet C10, which was found in the Amador County city of Sutter Creek, police said. Jason Green, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 In this study, the researchers found that social connection leads to more positive emotions, and this relationship is explained by experiencing greater belonging. Quora, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Nick finally moved to Dallas in 2022, and the couple combined their belongings and furniture—and, most importantly, their three dogs—to settle down in a quaint neighborhood in the city. Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 29 Feb. 2024 After more than 30 years taking care of them, Austin, now 72, auctioned about 1,400 of Mercury’s belongings last year, and is now looking to sell Garden Lodge for offers in excess of £30 million ($38 million), according to Knight Frank. Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 The funds raised will help cover funeral costs and recover the couple's vessel and belongings. Colleen Wixon, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2024 This is because all a packing cube does is smoosh your belongings and yet the wee bit of space freed up from the smooshing isn’t enough to compensate for what your clothes will look like after they’re freed from captivity. Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'belonging.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of belonging was in 1781

Dictionary Entries Near belonging

Cite this Entry

“Belonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belonging. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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