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

Psychologist Katie Witkiewitz observed in an APA Speaking of Psychology interview that people are increasingly choosing not to drink as a group, and that the communal nature of that choice carries real weight. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026

Once the hour is up, the sound of a cannon blast marks the end of festivities and crowds wash off at communal showers nearby. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

The chant-like hook turns that intensity outward, transforming the record from an individual performance into something communal. — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026

With just 20 seats, the restaurant is inspired by the intimacy and communal nature of Japanese bars. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 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