Main Entry: be·long

Pronunciation: \bi-ˈlȯŋ, bē-\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English belongen, from be- + longen to be suitable — more at long

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to be suitable, appropriate, or advantageous <a dictionary belongs in every home> b : to be in a proper situation <a man of his ability belongs in teaching>
2 a : to be the property of a person or thing —used with to <the book belongs to me> b : to be attached or bound by birth, allegiance, or dependency —usually used with to <they belong to their homeland> c : to be a member of a club, organization, or set —usually used with to <she belongs to a country club>
3 : to be an attribute, part, adjunct, or function of a person or thing <nuts and bolts belong to a car>
4 : to be properly classifiedverbal auxiliary chiefly Southern & southern Midland : ought, must