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 Words From

• unbe·longing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of belonging¹

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

Example Sentences

At age 76, four decades removed from his formative turn as Sam Malone in “Cheers,” Danson was intrigued by what “A Man on the Inside” attempts to unpack: that older people still have plenty more to contribute to the world and derive a better quality of life through such a sense of belonging.

From Los Angeles Times

"Over 8,800 candidates belonging to 49 political parties and 284 independent groups are contesting the elections but only around 1,000 candidates have actively campaigned," Rohana Hettiarachchi, executive director of poll monitoring group People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections, told the BBC.

From BBC

He views the shift as “fluid,” pointing to modern politics’ departure from grassroots structures that once fostered a sense of belonging.

From Slate

The Israeli military said it struck “terror infrastructure” belonging to the Shia armed group Hezbollah.

From BBC

In the comments — which were connected to Robinson via a commonly used handle and an email address belonging to the Republican politician — Robinson called himself a "Black Nazi," praised Hitler and said that slavery was "not bad."

From Salon