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 central bank’s propensity for buying and holding large quantities of assets drags it into fiscal arguments where it doesn’t belong, for instance—as Mr. Warsh often points out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

But Chamley-Watson says he felt like he "didn't belong".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Tom, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Lolita "doesn't necessarily belong to a specific culture".

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

The fossils belong to a species called Liaoningosaurus paradoxus, a name that reflects the confusion it has caused.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

Instead, I survey the living room, looking for something that used to belong to Dad.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Related Words

• apply
• exist
• fit
• reside