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.
In an attempt to reverse the trend, an organization called Come Together—A Community for Wine has begun campaigns to focus on favorable messaging, framing vino as a communal beverage with historical and cultural associations. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 4 July 2025 Gone are the dark wood communal tables, replaced by higher-end seating arrangements, including upholstered banquettes worthy of a fine-dining establishment. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 That communal ritual surrounding a platter of chicken wings — be it on game day or on a date — is another appealing feature. Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025 Instead of power and importance being solely centered on profits for the organization, profits are determined by building brands that connect to communal markets of people buying and offering their services in alignment with similar values and purposes. Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 3 July 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 11 Jul. 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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