communal

adjective

com·​mu·​nal kə-ˈmyü-nᵊl How to pronounce communal (audio)
ˈkäm-yə-nᵊl
1
: of or relating to one or more communes
a communal organization
2
: of or relating to a community
3
a
: characterized by collective ownership and use of property
b
: participated in, shared, or used in common by members of a group or community
a communal kitchen
gathered for a communal meal
4
: of, relating to, or based on racial or cultural groups
communal violence
communalize transitive verb
communally adverb

Examples of communal in a Sentence

The tribe lived in communal huts. the communal experience of riding on the train
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Players farm, trade, and even mark milestones with virtual feasts, reinforcing how food functions as both a necessity and a communal experience. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Another key aspect of Elle’s self-care is brainstorming and communal dreaming with peers like Ezra-Lloyd Jackson, the perfumer and creative director behind deya, about the concept of diasporic perfumery. Martine Thompson, Essence, 21 Mar. 2025 Standing in the temple’s entrance, his consultations over, Bernard smiled at the thought of his role as communal ear. Emilien Hofman (tr. Elettra Pauletto), The Dial, 20 Mar. 2025 Three weeks after first noticing something off with the water in the communal dispenser, the employee discovered the source of the off-putting taste and smell when a co-worker offered to make her coffee. Chris Spargo, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for communal

Word History

Etymology

French, from Late Latin communalis, from Latin communis

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of communal was in 1796

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Communal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communal. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

communal

adjective
com·​mu·​nal kə-ˈmyün-ᵊl How to pronounce communal (audio)
ˈkäm-yən-ᵊl
1
: of or relating to a commune or community
2
: shared or used in common by members of a group or community

More from Merriam-Webster on communal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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