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

Since the suitcase won’t be as easy to zip open, thieves will have a harder time seeing whether or not your belongings are valuable; this alone could prevent your bag from becoming a target. —Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026

Other Palestinians who Israel had told to evacuate before the strikes returned to their tents in Gaza City trying to salvage their belongings. —Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026

And actually, who is not here for a chic purse that can easily hold all of your belongings, plus a laptop, a change of clothes, and a small animal of your choosing? —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 8 Jan. 2026

More than anything, the experience gave Henson a sense of belonging that had nothing to do with his last name. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging