belong

[bih-lawng, -long]

verb (used without object)

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

   He belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

2. to have the proper qualifications, especially social qualifications, to be a member of a group.

   You don't belong in this club.

3. 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

1. 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

/ bɪˈlɒŋ /

verb

1. (foll by to) to be the property or possession (of)

2. (foll by to) to be bound to (a person, place, or club) by ties of affection, dependence, allegiance, or membership

3. to be classified (with)

   this plant belongs to the daisy family

4. (foll by to) to be a part or adjunct (of)

   this top belongs to the smaller box

5. to have a proper or usual place

   that plate belongs in the cupboard

6. informal,  to be suitable or acceptable, esp socially

   although they were rich, they just didn't belong

Word History and Origins

Origin of belong¹

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. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of belong¹

C14 belongen , from _be- (intensive) + longen ; related to Old High German bilangēn to reach; see _long ³

Idioms and Phrases

see to the victor belong the spoils.

Example Sentences

That coveted position belonged to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the man who wears at least four hats in the current administration.

From Salon

We stuffed my belongings into my tiny Fiat 500 and drove cross-country.

From Los Angeles Times

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who belongs to Thailand's most powerful political dynasty, was removed by the constitutional court last week for ethical violations over her handling of the border dispute with Cambodia.

From BBC

The woman then leans forward and tries to take the driver’s coffee and mess with his other belongings, shouting, “Loser! That’s what you get, b—.”

From Los Angeles Times

The room was always locked – only Bowie and his personal assistant had a key – so they were left undisturbed until archivists started cataloguing his belongings.

From BBC

Related Words

• apply 
• exist 
• fit 
• reside