belonging

American  

[bih-lawng-ing, -long-] / bɪˈlɔŋ ɪŋ, -ˈlɒŋ- /

noun

1. something that belongs.

2. belongings, possessions; goods; personal effects.

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belonging British  

/ bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ /

noun

1. secure relationship; affinity (esp in the phrase a sense of belonging )

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unbelonging
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of belonging

First recorded in 1595–1605; belong + -ing ¹

Explanation

Belonging is a sense of fitting in or feeling like you are an important member of a group. A really close family gives each of its members a strong sense of belonging. When you belong, you are an official part of a group ("She belongs to the French club") or you're compatible with certain people or suited to a specific place ("I just belong in nature"). A feeling of belonging describes this sense of truly fitting or meshing, especially with friends, family members, or other sympathetic folks.

Example Sentences

The lot was valued at between £500-£800 and came in a box marked as belonging to an anatomy class at the University of Glasgow.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

They are shibboleths spoken at borders where a syllable can decide belonging or exile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Nearly 600 ships suspected of belonging to the fleet are subject to European Union sanctions.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

And earlier in the conflict, Iran reportedly charged tolls for the safe passage of several ships or allowed the transit of ships belonging to friendly nations after direct negotiations.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

Being a human belonging to the wallflower genus, I’m kinda used to swallowing my words instead of speaking them.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon