belong

verb

be·​long bi-ˈlȯŋ 

bē-

belonged; belonging; belongs

intransitive verb

1

a

: to be suitable, appropriate, or advantageous

a dictionary belongs in every home

b

: to be in a proper situation

a man of his ability belongs in teaching

2

a

: to be the property of a person or thing

—used with to

the book belongs to me

b

: to be attached or bound by birth, allegiance, or dependency

—usually used with to

they belong to their homeland

c

: to be a member of a club, organization, or set

—usually used with to

she belongs to a country club

3

: to be an attribute, part, adjunct, or function of a person or thing

nuts and bolts belong to a car

4

: to be properly classified

auxiliary verb

chiefly Southern US and south Midland US : ought, must

Synonyms

• go

Examples of belong in a Sentence

She was here for 15 years, but she never really belonged.

your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them

Recent Examples on the Web

But what Israelis see as the worst day in their history is also profoundly challenging their sense of security and belonging. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Apr. 2024

Buffets are the culinary version of your wedding day or a big birthday—a bunch of foods that don’t belong together all in the same space, somehow getting along. —Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

These experiences not only foster academic and social development but also instill a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

Janelle attended the event alongside Garrison's father, Kody Brown, his brothers Gabriel, 22, Hunter, Logan, 29, and members from the 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry, to which Garrison belonged. —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024

Sense of belonging Guadalupe is one of five Arizona sites where the Pascua Yaquis’ Lenten and Easter processions occur. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 30 Mar. 2024

First-generation Americans are often left out of the belonging conversation. —Rachel Montañez, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Get The Recipe 24 of 40 Country Captain Chicken This mighty chicken is packed with flavor from an array of spices and a hearty tomato sauce. Get The Recipe 25 of 40 Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Corn Slow-Cooker Chowder This hearty and creamy chowder belongs at every Southern tailgate. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024

Still, Hartzell said the university would find permissible ways to support students, staff and their sense of belonging. —Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English belongen, from be- be- + longen "to be suitable" — more at long entry 5

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing belong

• belong to

Kids Definition

belong

verb

be·​long bi-ˈlȯŋ 

1

: to be in a proper place

this book belongs on the top shelf

2

a

: to be the property of a person or group of persons

the watch belongs to me

b

: to be a member

belongs to our club

3

: to be a part of : be connected with : go with

the parts belonging to the clock

4

: to be classified

whales belong among the mammals