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 of communal

• collective
• collaborative
• joint
• combined
• mutual

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

Dining areas both in the home and the alfresco patio encourage visitors to enjoy the beauty of Northern Italy’s picturesque landscapes and rich tradition of communal dining. — Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026

After the sun sets, the family and our team gather in a goat-hair tent for a proper introduction and to share a communal meal by candlelight. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026

Topics ranged from how to price amenities—rooftop pools, communal barbecues, that sort of thing—to how to maintain pricing discipline during moments of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Each person's content, such as photos and music, will remain separate and private, but can also be shared with others on the communal screen. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for communal

• jejunal
• lagoonal
• monsoonal
• tribunal
• intercommunal

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