belonging

noun

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce belonging (audio)
bē-
1
: possession
usually used in plural
2
: close or intimate relationship
a sense of belonging
belongingness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Following a young woman navigating life after growing up in an orphanage, the film transforms her shrinking apartment into a dreamlike maze of memory and loss, using striking visual metaphors to explore belonging, self-worth, and the fragile hope of starting over. Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 He was found armed with his father's firearm, a bicycle and other belongings. Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025 After this winter, the building could serve as an ad-hoc emergency shelter during severe weather events year-round and a place for people transitioning out of homelessness to store their belongings. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025 Each mural draws on themes of belonging and connection. Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belonging

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of belonging was in 1781

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belonging. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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