belong

American  

[bih-lawng, -long] / bɪˈlɔŋ, -ˈlɒŋ /

verb (used without object)

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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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

The findings, published in Nature Astronomy, suggest the most massive black holes detected through gravitational waves belong to a separate class with a very different history from smaller black holes.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2026

Anything that doesn’t belong gets gathered into a single bin or basket.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

Most transgender students simply want the chance to belong, to be part of a team, and to experience the social, emotional, and physical benefits of school athletics.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

It’s practically gospel that you need a thick skin to succeed in business, especially if you belong to an underrepresented group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“Well, I’m the one who will do the work you’ll discuss. I need to understand all of what’s going on. I belong there.”

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

• apply
• exist
• fit
• reside