be·long / biˈlông/ • v. [intr.] 1. (of a thing) be rightly placed in a specified position: learning to place the blame where it belongs. ∎  be rightly classified in or assigned to a specified category: bony fish: the vast majority of living fish belong here.2. (of a person) fit in a specified place or environment: she is a stranger, and doesn't belong here [as n.] (belonging) we feel a real sense of belonging. ∎  have the right personal or social qualities to be a member of a particular group: young people are generally very anxious to belong. ∎  (belong to) be a member or part of (a particular group, organization, or class): they belong to garden and bridge clubs.3. (belong to) be the property of: the vehicle did not belong to him. ∎  (of a contest or period of time) be dominated by: the race belonged completely to Ferguson.DERIVATIVES: be·long·ing·ness n.

belong XIV. f. ME. longen (cf. long, OE, ġelang at hand, dependent on); see BE-
, Hence belongings circumstances connected with a person or thing XVII; possessions XIX; see -ING1.