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
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
Neither a standard biopic nor a concert documentary, the film is an 89-minute communal celebration featuring exclusive music videos and candid behind-the-scenes content documenting the making of Swift’s 12th album.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Downstairs, a library, a dining room, and a billiard room (which also serves as a sprawling lounge, eating area, and performance space for the local DJ who comes on Saturdays) offer several options for communal living.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
The historic solo card game, which Papaya rendered a communal and competitive experience through online and live tournaments, will finally have its world champion as 400 finalists gather in Miami to compete for the crown.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
In the weeks before migration, many species gather at communal roosts.
—Brandi D. Addison, The Providence Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for communal
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Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Downstairs, a library, a dining room, and a billiard room (which also serves as a sprawling lounge, eating area, and performance space for the local DJ who comes on Saturdays) offer several options for communal living.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
The historic solo card game, which Papaya rendered a communal and competitive experience through online and live tournaments, will finally have its world champion as 400 finalists gather in Miami to compete for the crown.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
In the weeks before migration, many species gather at communal roosts.
—Brandi D. Addison, The Providence Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for communal
Cite this Entry
“Communal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communal. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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