belong

verb

be·​long bi-ˈlȯŋ How to pronounce belong (audio)
bē-
belonged; belonging; belongs

intransitive verb

1
a
: to be suitable, appropriate, or advantageous
a dictionary belongs in every home
b
: to be in a proper situation
a man of his ability belongs in teaching
2
a
: to be the property of a person or thing
used with to
the book belongs to me
b
: to be attached or bound by birth, allegiance, or dependency
usually used with to
they belong to their homeland
c
: to be a member of a club, organization, or set
usually used with to
she belongs to a country club
3
: to be an attribute, part, adjunct, or function of a person or thing
nuts and bolts belong to a car
4
: to be properly classified

auxiliary verb

chiefly Southern US and south Midland US : ought, must

Examples of belong in a Sentence

She was here for 15 years, but she never really belonged. your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them
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 a world caught between ambition and belonging, one couple must navigate love, identity, and legacy in the face of impossible choices. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 1 Aug. 2025 Phillip will be back next week with more stories of belonging and diversity from across the country. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025 The Ancient Eight belong together, even if some programs clearly outstrip the others in terms of resources and basketball upside. Jim Root, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, proponents say DEI programs benefit students from all backgrounds by promoting inclusionary environments in which people who have been historically marginalized can find belonging and feel supported. Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for belong

Word History

Etymology

Middle English belongen, from be- be- + longen "to be suitable" — more at long entry 5

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of belong was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belong. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

belong

verb
be·​long bi-ˈlȯŋ How to pronounce belong (audio)
1
: to be in a proper place
this book belongs on the top shelf
2
a
: to be the property of a person or group of persons
the watch belongs to me
b
: to be a member
belongs to our club
3
: to be a part of : be connected with : go with
the parts belonging to the clock
4
: to be classified
whales belong among the mammals

More from Merriam-Webster on belong

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