communal

1 of 2

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

communalize

2 of 2

transitive verb

com·​mu·​nal·​ize kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌlīz 

ˈkäm-yə-nə-

-ed/-ing/-s

: to make communal

specifically : to subject to the rights, methods, organization, or ownership of a community

Synonyms of communal

Adjective

• collective
• collaborative
• joint
• combined
• mutual

Examples of communal in a Sentence

Adjective

The tribe lived in communal huts.

the communal experience of riding on the train

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Plenty of similar parties benefit from the same big-tent communal mindset. — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026

The ever-changing five-course tasting menu highlights different guest chefs, wine makers, brewers, and distillers, all in an airy room with one central communal table. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

The whole job is to become a single, collective, communal, blended voice. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026

Their historic interiors now house studios, exhibition spaces, and communal areas, creating a place where artists can make work, exchange ideas, and connect with the public. — Photovogue, Vogue, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, from Late Latin communalis, from Latin communis

First Known Use

Adjective

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