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

Working in and around airports also gave me a different perspective on what can make a long day of flying easier, from organizing your belongings to keeping essentials always within reach. — Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

On Wednesday, Abascal was notified to leave and given 30 minutes to pack her essential belongings. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

It has been worn as a symbol of labor, rebuilding, freedom, belonging and self-expression, but the language remains alive only when new voices are given the opportunity to speak truly. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

Among Boutte’s belongings, law enforcement allegedly found $1,624 in cash, 141 gift cards, letters addressed to other people and almost 1,700 stamps on rolls and sheets. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging