belong

American  

[bih-lawng, -long] / bɪˈlɔŋ, -ˈlɒŋ /

verb (used without object)

belongs, present (3rd person singular) belonged, past participle, past belonging present participle

1. to be in the relation of a member, adherent, inhabitant, etc. (usually followed byto ).

   He belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

2. to have the proper qualifications, especially social qualifications, to be a member of a group.

   You don't belong in this club.

3. to be proper or due; be properly or appropriately placed, situated, etc..

   Books belong in every home. This belongs on the shelf. He is a statesman who belongs among the great.

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verb phrase

1. belong to

   1. to be the property of.

      The book belongs to her.

   2. to be a part or adjunct of.

      That cover belongs to this jar.

belong British  

/ bɪˈlɒŋ /

verb

1. (foll by to) to be the property or possession (of)

2. (foll by to) to be bound to (a person, place, or club) by ties of affection, dependence, allegiance, or membership

3. to be classified (with)

   this plant belongs to the daisy family

4. (foll by to) to be a part or adjunct (of)

   this top belongs to the smaller box

5. to have a proper or usual place

   that plate belongs in the cupboard

6. informal to be suitable or acceptable, esp socially

   although they were rich, they just didn't belong

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belong Idioms  

1. see to the victor belong the spoils.

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Other Word Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have belonged
  perfect
• has belonged
  perfect 3rd person singular
• is belonging
  progressive 3rd person singular
• have been belonging
  perfect progressive
• has been belonging
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• are belonging
  progressive
• am belonging
  progressive 1st person singular
• belongs
  singular 3rd person
• belonging
  participle

Past

• had belonged
  perfect
• had been belonging
  perfect progressive
• belonged
  simple
• belonged
  participle
• was belonging
  progressive singular
• were belonging
  progressive plural

Future

• will belong
  simple
• will have belonged
  perfect
• will be belonging
  progressive
• will have been belonging
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of belong

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English belongen, from be- be- + longen “to belong,” verb derivative of long (adjective), Old English gelang “belonging to, dependent on”; cf. along ( def. ), long ³ ( def. )

Explanation

Things that belong to you are your property — in other words, you own them. Your prized rock collection belongs to you. There are several ways to use the verb belong. Items you buy or that are given to you belong to you. You also belong to a group of friends — you fit in, or are a member. When you feel at home somewhere, as though you're meant to be there, you also belong: "I belong in a big city!" The 14th century meaning of belong was "to go along with," from be- and longen, "to go."

Example Sentences

"They were a commitment by Nick's parents, in the most binding way the law of trusts allows, that these resources would belong to Nick for his use and benefit," the petition says.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

In most places, those names would never belong in the same conversation.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

It did not specify who was behind the attacks and noted that the ships do not belong to Azerbaijan.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The vehicles being assessed here at Volkswagen’s sprawling development center belong to a coming generation of China-focused models that the automaker is betting can revive its fortunes in the world’s biggest car market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

But Vic-E helped me pick out this cute flowery dress that’s got me feeling as if I belong wherever I go.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Related Words

• apply
• exist
• fit
• reside