belonging

[bih-lawng-ing, -long-]

noun

1. something that belongs.

2. belongings, possessions; goods; personal effects.

belonging

/ bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• unbelonging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of belonging¹

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

Example Sentences

The family's few belongings are neatly stashed in piles of bags along the walls.

From BBC

On Saturday, a home belonging to a South Carolina Circuit judge burned to the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

The man had saved the reporter’s number in his phone as belonging to the “LA TIMES,” had his picture taken by a Times photographer, sent emails to the reporter’s L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

It is about being seen, celebrated, and embraced by the larger community, capturing the universal desire for acceptance and belonging.

From Los Angeles Times

In total, Trumpism models limited, circumscribed versions of citizenship and political belonging known as blood and soil nationalism, where racial stock determines human worth, rights and citizenship.

From Salon