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

On Monday, Fort Smith Police Officer Jonathan Mounts and his family lost their home and belongings in a house fire, according to a Facebook post from the Fort Smith Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 39. — Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

Vendors’ tents and belongings were strewn across Independence Square on Sunday night. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2026

The bag is made from a water-repellent nylon-and-polyester blend that can withstand rain, so your belongings inside won’t get wet. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026

Inside the Mallahi family compound, a blast tore a crater through the roof and walls, leaving floral decorations, carpets and household belongings buried in rubble and shattered glass. — Amir Vahdat, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging