v.
Pronunciation: bi- ' lo ̇ ŋ , b ē -
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English belongen, from be- + longen to be suitable ― more at LONGITUDE
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 a : to be suitable, appropriate, or advantageous <a dictionary belong s in every home> b : to be in a proper situation <a man of his ability belong s in teaching>
2 a : to be the property of a person or thing ― used with to <the book belong s to me> b : to be attached or bound by birth, allegiance, or dependency ― usually used with to <they belong to their homeland> c : to be a member of a club, organization, or set ― usually used with to <she belong s to a country club>
3 : to be an attribute, part, adjunct, or function of a person or thing <nuts and bolts belong to a car>
4 : to be properly classified
verbal auxiliary chiefly Southern & southern Midland : OUGHT , MUST