communion

noun

com·​mu·​nion kə-ˈmyü-nyən 

1

: an act or instance of sharing

2

a

capitalized : a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ

b

: the act of receiving Communion

c

capitalized : the part of a Communion service in which the sacrament is received

3

: intimate fellowship or rapport : communication

sat alone on the mountain, in communion with the wilderness

4

: a body of Christians having a common faith and discipline

the Anglican communion

Synonyms

• fellowship
• rapport
• rapprochement

Examples of communion in a Sentence

She went to the front of the church for Communion.

gradually established a feeling of communion with her fellow physicians

Recent Examples on the Web

Without playing psychologist, your songs may welcome audiences and use their voices expansively, but your lyrics focus on loneliness and seeking communion. —A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025

The country even has a capybara hotel for closer communion with the animals. —Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025

For those seeking a communion with nature that has more than a dash of indulgence, Clayoquot offers an unforgettable escape into the wild heart of British Columbia. —Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 24 Jan. 2025

Look for trailheads for the David Hansen Trail and the Mossy Rocks Trail, which go inside the grove and allow close communion with the nearly 300-year-old trees. —Daniel Bromfield, The Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin communion-, communio mutual participation, from communis — see common entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing communion

• post-communion
• self-communion

Rhymes for communion

• disunion
• nonunion
• antiunion
• union

Kids Definition

communion

noun

com·​mu·​nion kə-ˈmyü-nyən 

1

capitalized

a

: a Christian sacrament in which bread and wine are partaken of as a commemoration of the last supper of Jesus

b

: the part of the Mass in which the Eucharist is received

2

: friendly communication

3

: a body of Christians having a common faith and discipline