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

Students, parents, grandparents, teachers, and neighbors talked about education, belonging, technology, nature, and peace. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Inside were her cell phone, purse, medication, and a note instructing her mother what to do with the vehicle and all her belongings. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

On May 13, 2007, Leon Heron, 34, was going home to his wife with dinner from Taco Bell when two people confronted him and demanded his belongings. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Colorado moved quickly to secure this assistance, and now families and businesses can apply for low-interest loans to repair homes, replace belongings, and reopen doors. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging