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belong

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verb be·long \ bi-ˈlȯŋ , bē- \

Definition of belong

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 classified
auxiliary verb
chiefly Southern US and south Midland US :ought, must

See belong defined for English-language learners

See belong defined for kids

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Examples of belong in a Sentence

  1. She was here for 15 years, but she never really belonged.

  2. your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them

Recent Examples of belong from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'belong.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of belong

Middle English belongen, from be- be- + longen "to be suitable" — more at 5long

belong Synonyms

Synonyms
go
Related Words
place, stay; fit (in)

Phrases Related to BELONG

Related Phrases

BELONG Defined for English Language Learners

belong

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verb

Definition of belong for English Language Learners

  • —used to say that someone or something should be in a particular place or situation

  • : to be accepted and liked by the other people in a group

BELONG Defined for Kids

belong

play
verb be·long \ bə-ˈlȯŋ \

Definition of belong for Students

belonged; belonging
1 :to be in a proper place
  • This book belongs on the top shelf.
2 :to be the property of a person or group of persons
  • The money belongs to me.
3 :to be a part of :be connected with :go with
  • These pieces belong to that game.

Learn More about belong

  1. See words that rhyme with belong Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for belong Spanish Central: Translation of belong Nglish: Translation of belong for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of belong for Arabic speakers

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Examples: belong in a Sentence