belong

American

[bih-lawng, -long] / bɪˈlɔŋ, -ˈlɒŋ /

verb (used without object)

to be in the relation of a member, adherent, inhabitant, etc. (usually followed byto ).

He belongs to the Knights of Columbus.
to have the proper qualifications, especially social qualifications, to be a member of a group.

You don't belong in this club.
to be proper or due; be properly or appropriately placed, situated, etc..

Books belong in every home. This belongs on the shelf. He is a statesman who belongs among the great.

verb phrase

belong to
1. to be the property of.
  
  The book belongs to her.
2. to be a part or adjunct of.
  
  That cover belongs to this jar.

belong British

/ bɪˈlɒŋ /

verb

(foll by to) to be the property or possession (of)
(foll by to) to be bound to (a person, place, or club) by ties of affection, dependence, allegiance, or membership
to be classified (with)

this plant belongs to the daisy family
(foll by to) to be a part or adjunct (of)

this top belongs to the smaller box
to have a proper or usual place

that plate belongs in the cupboard
informal to be suitable or acceptable, esp socially

although they were rich, they just didn't belong

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

belong Idioms

see to the victor belong the spoils.

Etymology

Origin of belong

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English belongen, from be- be- + longen “to belong,” verb derivative of long (adjective), Old English gelang “belonging to, dependent on”; along ( def. ), long ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Better to belong to the 75% club than the 25% club.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

“Here he is singing, ‘We belong together,’” Hupp said, referencing lyrics from his new single “Aperture.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Proscription makes it a criminal offence to belong to or support Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Historically, the signatures on dollar bills belong to those of the Treasurer of the United States and the secretary of the Treasury.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

His heart swelled with the realization—nay, the decision!—that came next: Good, worthy souls did not belong in the realm of Pain.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023