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

The open flow of the communal spaces allows for glimpses of that magical water from every angle, never closing out the view. —Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Premised on an intense communal dance, the movement suggested that adopting ancestral traditions would deliver Indigenous Americans to a pre-European state of bliss, peace and freedom. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Dec. 2024

This is true communal living, as the polyps can share food and nutrients with others in the colony. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024

Aside from the traditional methods of finding roommates through personal connections or online listings, there are several other options to split the cost of rent, such as co-ops and communal living. —Judy Lagrou, CNBC, 10 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