belonging

1 of 2

noun

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce belonging (audio)
bē-
Synonyms of belonging
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

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Noun

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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
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.
Noun
Most of the time the couple has to borrow money from friends or sell some of their belongings to make ends meet. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 That’s how Duncan ended up at the motel across the Red River in Alexandria, with half of his belongings packed into the back of a truck. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 Detainees were frequently held for weeks or months; some had lost their leases, their belongings, and their jobs. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The group also argued the city did not coordinate relocation efforts for displaced residents, some of whom were locked out of their units and unable to gather their belongings. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belonging

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of belonging was in 1781

Rhymes for belonging

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Browse Nearby Words

belong
belonging
belongingness
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Cite this Entry

“Belonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belonging. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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