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

• chumminess
• closeness
• familiarity
• inseparability
• intimacy
• nearness

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

Here, three Southern organizers speak to nine categories of belongings that do not belong here. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025

Palestinian families who had returned to live among the ruins of the devastated neighborhood during the ceasefire once again fled, piling mattresses and belongings on donkey carts and escaping on muddy roads. —Daniel Estrin, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025

Already, the area in front of the school was snarled with donkey carts loaded with people’s belongings, cooking gas cylinders, jugs of drinking water, mattresses and tarps. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025

Adults struggled to react – selling most of their belongings at fire sale prices. —Mary Laporte, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging