belonging

noun

be·​long·​ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 

bē-

1

: possession

—usually used in plural

2

: close or intimate relationship

a sense of belonging

belongingness noun

Synonyms

• chumminess
• closeness
• familiarity
• inseparability
• intimacy
• nearness

Examples of belonging in a Sentence

the warm welcome they received from the community gave them a sense of belonging

packed up all their belongings and moved across the country

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlawfully arrest people experiencing homelessness and unlawfully dispose of their belongings. —Kaely Monahan, The Arizona Republic, 19 June 2024

Dishes would pile up in the sink, the living room would be cluttered with her belongings and the bathroom would become increasingly dirty. —Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024

According to the Tustin Police Department, the agent’s bag was stolen, and investigators have since found some of his belongings in the area. —Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 June 2024

Since the robbery, some of the victim's belongings were found by officers. —Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1