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

Those who have been separated from their belongings during the shooting will have the opportunity to retrieve them at a later date. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025

Stay up-to-date with local forecasts, secure any outdoor belongings and keep informed about outages that may impact your account. —Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025

Your belongings will stay in place thanks to elastic straps and a zippered barrier, while the exterior of the bag is made from a strong ABS shell designed to withstand the rigors of air travel. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025

The bag has a convenient hands-free design with two zippered compartments to keep your belongings organized and an adjustable strap for a custom fit. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for belonging

• prolonging
• longing
• thronging