communal

adjective

com·​mu·​nal kə-ˈmyü-nᵊl How to pronounce communal (audio)
ˈkäm-yə-nᵊl
Synonyms of communalnext
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.
Septimus lives in a small apartment with his wife, travels by danfo (communal minibuses) and struggles to acclimate to civilian life after a traumatic tour in the North. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 Like many actors arriving at Cannes this year, Keough spoke almost nostalgically about the disappearing ritual of communal moviegoing. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2026 These celebrations of communal gathering and history feature guest artists and organizers sharing stories and performances in honor and protection of the land, water, and air of Lenapehoking. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Childhood dream fulfilled The leg bone was among several fossils discovered by a local resident on the side of a communal pond in northeastern Thailand in 2016, during the dry season when the water levels were lower. Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 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 19 May. 2026.

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

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