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.
In another video, a little boy appeared to toddle out of a cell as women around him rejoiced, with some expressing confusion after being told they'd been freed and asking for their belongings and their identification cards. Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024 If going into shelter means someone’s extra belongings are likely to be thrown out, staff tells them that. Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024 Sometime in 2030, astronauts will pack up their belongings, turn out the lights, and depart the International Space Station (ISS) for the last time. Georgina Torbet, The Verge, 7 Dec. 2024 The belt bag is a fan-favorite for a number of reasons, including its easy-to-maintain material, functional design, and generous storage capacity that makes toting your belongings a breeze. Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2024 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 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on belonging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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