belonging Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun happiness felt in a secure relationship
    • with his classmates he felt a sense of belonging
  2. verb be owned by; be in the possession of
    belong.
    • This book belongs to me
  3. verb be suitable or acceptable
    belong.
    • This student somehow doesn't belong
  4. verb be in the right place or situation
    go; belong.
    • Where do these books belong?
    • Let's put health care where it belongs--under the control of the government
    • Where do these books go?
  5. verb be rightly classified in a class or category
    belong.
    • The whales belong among the mammals
  6. verb be a member, adherent, inhabitant, etc. (of a group, organization, or place)
    belong.
    • They belong to the same political party
  7. verb be a part or adjunct
    belong to; belong.
    • the uniform looks like it belonged to a museum collection
    • These pages don't belong

WordNet

Be*long"ing noun
Etymology
Commonly in the pl.
Definitions
  1. That which belongs to one; that which pertains to one; hence, goods or effects. "Thyself and thy belongings." Shak.
  2. That which is connected with a principal or greater thing; an appendage; an appurtenance.
  3. Family; relations; household. Colloq.
    Few persons of her ladyship's belongings stopped, before they did her bidding, to ask her reasons. Thackeray.

Webster 1913