belonging

1 of 3

noun (1)

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 3

present participle of belong

belongingness

3 of 3

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

Synonyms of belonging

Noun (1)

• intimacy
• familiarity
• kinship
• friendship

Examples 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

Noun

Mathews gathered his belongings and began walking toward his vehicle, but after crossing to the other side of a park fence, an exchange of insults between the pair caused a physical confrontation. — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Against monarch-butterfly migrations and environmental destruction, the family’s struggle becomes a story of displacement, resilience and fragile belonging. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

In Gulf Shores, an Alabama community encouraging voluntary evacuations, resident Maranie Adams gathered water and other supplies as her family moved belongings, including a hot tub motor, to higher ground. — R.j. Rico, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Two to three suspects demanded victims' belongings at gunpoint using firearms equipped with lasers, police said. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging