belonging

noun

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce belonging (audio)
bē-
1
: possession
usually used in plural
2
: close or intimate relationship
a sense of belonging
belongingness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Within hours of the pardon, an account on X controlled by Mr. Ulbricht’s family posted a photograph of him leaving prison with a small plant and a sack of belongings. David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Yet, there were the Ravens Monday, packing up their belongings in a quiet locker room and saying their goodbyes far earlier than anticipated. Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 The couple, who've been married since 2008 and resided in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood, tragically lost their home and all of their belongings on Jan. 8 in the ongoing wildfire. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025 After the women passed away within a day of one another in 2016, their belongings—including the iconic gown—were sold at auction. Sam Reed, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for belonging 

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of belonging was in 1781

Dictionary Entries Near belonging

Cite this Entry

“Belonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belonging. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on belonging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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