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

Even the film’s setting reflects that sense of personal and communal connection. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026

Invitees get the opportunity to ride in Rivian’s newest R2 SUV and indulge in the communal glamping site. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Paths cut through tall grass and gravel, leading from the Farmhouse (a communal spot with couches, coffee, and coworking spots) to the cabins, past the golf course, and out toward the pools. —Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2026

For Howe, the loss is both personal and communal. —Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register, 9 Apr. 2026

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