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.
And in Courchevel 1850, none offers a better blend of privacy, luxury, service and communal convenience than the Six Senses Residences. Duncan Madden, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 The residents of Asia Brickell Key’s 123 units are provided a range of amenities that wouldn’t feel out of place in a five-star hotel, including a communal pool, a barbecue area, a fitness center, a grand two-story lobby, 24-hour security, and both tennis and racquetball courts. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024 What does come at times as a wonder are the events that pinch their fledgling rapport and threaten to upend their quest for communal harmony. Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024 Among other features, such as video calling, this new smart display will reportedly be a hub for Apple’s home automation platform, Apple Home, providing a communal household interface for controlling smart devices like lights, locks, security systems, and cameras. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 22 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near communal

Cite this Entry

“Communal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communal. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!