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
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Noun
In an Early Childhood classroom, this might include children hanging up their belongings, cleaning a spill, returning work to its proper location, and helping care for plants, animals, or the classroom. — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Police said the officer allowed the man to retrieve his belongings before the tow truck arrived. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Shared ownership fosters a strong sense of belonging and investment in the company’s future. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Since it was designated the first national recreation area in 1964, hordes of visitors have cut Lake Mead’s glassy surface with jet skis and boats, carelessly dropping belongings that may now wash up on shore. — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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