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

• 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

To keep all your belongings safe in one easy-to-reach space, consider investing in a wallet that can do it all, like this travel-size one from Zero Grid. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

View gallery - 9 images The Caladenia tiny house proves that downsizing doesn't need to mean giving up all your belongings. —New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025

In 2015, Garrett and Jessica Gee sold all of their belongings in order to journey around the world for five months with their two young children in tow. —Sari Hitchins, Parents, 24 Oct. 2025

The 61-year-old loves the hunt, and sifting through old belongings and hidden gems is what keeps him going. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging