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

Despite serious differences and political disagreements, the people of Iran have preserved long-standing traditions of coexistence, mutual respect, and communal life. —Narges Mohammadi, Time, 5 Dec. 2025

Mama's is my favorite way to start my morning, both for its homey breakfast food and its communal, colorful vibe. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 2025

The building’s industrial-chic architecture is matched by vibrant interiors filled with neon accents, bold artwork, and communal spaces designed for socializing. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Dec. 2025

Backxwash, Only Dust Remains Death is ever present in the work of Montreal rapper and producer Backxwash, from face-paint gesturing to Zambian communal ceremonies to tense riffs summoning extreme metal signifiers. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

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