belonging

noun

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

bē-

1

: possession

—usually used in plural

2

: close or intimate relationship

a sense of belonging

belongingness noun

Synonyms of belonging

• intimacy
• familiarity
• kinship
• friendship

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

The sale, which also includes belongings from the Rockefeller family, will be in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025

The days of selling their belongings to fund their fledgling business was long behind them. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025

The tension between motion and belonging becomes not just metaphor, but structure. —Carmen F De Terenzio, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025

This 100 percent nylon windbreaker features a relaxed fit mock neck, an adjustable bungee bottom hemline, and zippered pockets for all of your belongings. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging