belonging

1 of 2

noun

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 2

present participle of belong

Synonyms of belonging

Noun

• intimacy
• familiarity
• kinship
• friendship

Examples of belonging in a Sentence

Noun

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

The former Panthers running back said youth sports give kids a platform to find belonging and purpose among their peers. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

The videos show police conducting more thorough searches of Mangione and his belongings at the station, including the moment an officer finds a gun – now known to be the murder weapon – inside his backpack. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Adams and Mourtgos, however, didn't examine Flock's effect on break-ins, where thieves steal belongings from parked cars. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

The woman was able to break free and rushed out of the home, not returning until Ross was gone to gather her belongings, according to the report. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging