belonging

1 of 2

noun (1)

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

bē-

1

: possession

—usually used in plural

2

: close or intimate relationship

a sense of belonging

belongingness noun

belongingness

2 of 2

noun (2)

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

Although the shed preserves his grandparents’ belongings, Waters doesn’t treat it like a museum. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

Prosecutors allege Williams and several other suspects held a victim against his will, pistol whipped him and stripped him of his belongings, Boyd said. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Beyond its diverse menu, Corazón hosts vibrant community events, from dance parties to Indigenous healing circles, fostering deep belonging. — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Ayyad, a parliamentary office worker, has come back only to salvage some belongings from the apartment. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging