belonging

1 of 2

noun (1)

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce belonging (audio)
bē-
Synonyms of belongingnext
1
: possession
—usually used in plural
2
: close or intimate relationship
a sense of belonging
belongingness noun

belongingness

2 of 2

noun (2)

be·​long·​ing·​ness
bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ-nəs, 
bē- also -ˈläŋ-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being essential, integral, or important
a feeling of belongingness through participation in the discussion—K. H. Recknagel

Synonyms of belonging

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Noun (1)

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Examples of belonging in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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
Super Shoulder Bags Shoulder bags are traditionally quite small, able to hold just a few belongings, but there was a fresh crop of styles at the shows, scaled up ever-so-slightly. — Alice Cary, Vogue, 13 July 2026 According to police, detectives determined that Roper and the juvenile were present when Erving drowned but failed to report the incident and later discarded some of his belongings. — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 13 July 2026 At a time when Americans disagree deeply over the meaning of citizenship, belonging and education, summer camps remain places where values and visions of America as inclusive or exclusive are communicated to young people. — Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026 Unfortunately, some homeowners choose to stay behind, hoping to save their belongings, and this remains one of the major causes of fatalities during natural disasters. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for belonging

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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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Cite this Entry

“Belonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belonging. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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