be·long·ing
bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 
bē-
1
: possession
—usually used in plural
2
: close or intimate relationship
a sense of belonging
belongingness
noun
be·long·ing·ness
bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ-nəs,
bē- also -ˈläŋ-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being essential, integral, or important
a feeling of belongingness through participation in the discussion—
K. H. Recknagel
K. H. RecknagelExamples of belonging in a Sentence
Noun (1)
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
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
The off-duty flight attendant relocated his belongings and went to use the restroom, but Reyes tried to grab the man’s bag off the floor, according to the affidavit.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Other times investigators discovered a clue that had been overlooked in the decedent’s belongings.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Thousands took shelter in the Kyiv subway system, some carrying pets, belongings and mattresses.
—Valentyn Ogirenko, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for belonging
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Noun
Neary’s belongings including fur coats, furniture and jewelry were auctioned later that month, with officials charged admission of 50 cents to prevent overcrowding of the apartment.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
The off-duty flight attendant relocated his belongings and went to use the restroom, but Reyes tried to grab the man’s bag off the floor, according to the affidavit.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Other times investigators discovered a clue that had been overlooked in the decedent’s belongings.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Thousands took shelter in the Kyiv subway system, some carrying pets, belongings and mattresses.
—Valentyn Ogirenko, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for belonging
Cite this Entry
“Belonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belonging. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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