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

However fleetingly, Kafka and his unmoored translators found in literature a place of belonging that felt impossible to them in life.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The scam ring allegedly got hold of a securities account belonging to BTS vocalist Jungkook's name and tried to transfer 8.4 billion won worth of shares that Jungkook held of the group's management company Hybe.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Some of the equipment and troops belonging to the “Black Jack” brigade—the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of 1st Cavalry Division—were already en route when the deployment was canceled.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Crucially, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters, Iran demanded the "release of assets belonging to the Iranian people, which have for years been unjustly trapped in foreign banks".

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

From the lonely coldness of his uncle’s house he’d found love and belonging on the seas.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook