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 of belonging

• 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

Inside Domenech’s apartment, investigators found infant cereal, baby bottles and toys fit for a toddler, but no food or belongings appropriate for two teenage boys, Clark said. —Colin Mixson, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

The United Nations says unexploded shells and missiles are everywhere in Gaza, posing a threat to people searching through rubble to find their relatives, belongings and kindling. —Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026

The United Nations says unexploded shells and missiles are everywhere in Gaza, posing a threat to people searching through rubble to find their relatives, belongings, and kindling. —Julia Frankel, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026

Empathy enables acceptance and belonging. —William Arruda, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging