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

• 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

The late couple’s house has become a museum with their furniture, photos, belongings and period furnishings that are still on display. —Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

As villagers pack their belongings and flee their homes, the calf is sold to cattle traders and begins a journey from Armenia through Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan, crossing ever-shifting borders and communities in flux. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025

Generally, flood insurance is a separate policy that covers damage to a person's home and belongings. —Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2025

After speaking out against the harassment, I was kicked out with one hour’s notice, two hours before sunset, with no chance to collect my belongings. —Sean Geary, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging