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

• 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

In a statement following a virtual meeting Sunday, a group of seven countries belonging to the broader OPEC+ didn’t even reference the U.A.E.’s exit.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

“A big percentage of them were belonging to unhoused,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

For Osama El-Sayed, a 56-year-old government employee, the return of late nights has restored a sense of belonging.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Among them were small, rodent-like mammals belonging to the genus Cimolodon.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

“Bah! No. It is some nonsense belonging to the children. A book of poetry, translated from the German. Pure rubbish, in my opinion.”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood