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

Cars packed with mattresses, luggage and household belongings stretched for kilometers along Lebanon’s coastal highway, as residents fled Tyre following the latest Israeli warning. —ABC News, 9 June 2026

The moon, however, moves through your fourth house of home and family, stirring strong instincts around privacy, protection and belonging. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

The bottom line Cleaning your pet’s belongings, grooming them and refilling their preventatives will help keep them safe during the summer. —Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 9 June 2026

The brewery partnered with Philly Pride 365 and local artist Kah Yangni to create a special Pride Ale, a collaboration designed to celebrate community, visibility and belonging. —Josh Sanders, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging