belonging

1 of 2

noun

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

bē-

1

: possession

—usually plural

2

: close or intimate relationship

a sense of belonging

belongingness noun

belonging

2 of 2

present participle of belong

Synonyms of belonging

Noun

• intimacy
• familiarity
• kinship
• friendship

Examples of belonging in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Long-term case management is critical, and so is a sense of purpose and belonging. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

The June edition included the story of a couple who met on a cruise ship, sold all of their belongings, and embarked on back-to-back voyages. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026

That led to co-founding the Baltimore Women’s Circle, a gathering of other seekers of friendship and belonging. — Jean Marbella, Baltimore Sun, 6 Nov. 2026

Selling belongings provides a limited source of cash, and working additional hours can create other challenges, particularly for borrowers who are already balancing demanding schedules at their primary jobs. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging