communal

adjective

com·​mu·​nal kə-ˈmyü-nᵊl 

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

kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌlīz 

ˈkäm-yə-

transitive verb

communally adverb

Synonyms

• collaborative
• collective
• combined
• common
• concerted
• conjoint
• conjunct
• cooperative
• joint
• multiple
• mutual
• pooled
• public
• shared
• united

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

These bathing facilities are traditionally communal and separated by gender. —Christina Liao, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2025

For a more casual setting, many buffet restaurants feature communal tables specifically designed for solo diners. —David Nikel, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

From oral traditions to cognitive behavioral therapy, communal narratives serve a powerful function in society. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024

Prior to their dominance, many societies were organized around principles of matriarchy, reciprocity and communal care. —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Late Latin communalis, from Latin communis

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing communal

• inter-communal

Kids Definition

communal

adjective

com·​mu·​nal kə-ˈmyün-ᵊl 

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