1
: belonging to or shared by two or more people or groups
They have a common ancestor.
The people on the island have a sense of common identity.
a common goal/interest
The pool at the condominiums is common property. [=the pool is owned by all of the condominium owners]
The organization works for the common good. [=the public good; the advantage of everyone]
He was chosen as the leader by common consent. [=everyone agreed that he should be the leader]
2
commoner; commonest
or more ~; most ~
a
: done by many people
It is common practice for one town's fire department to help another town when there is a big fire.
a common spelling mistake
b
: occurring or appearing frequently : not rare
a common [=widespread] disease
Buffalo were once a common [=familiar] sight on the American plains.
Electric windows are a common feature in new cars.
"Smith" is a common name.
The problem is common to laptop computers. = It's common for laptop computers to have this problem.
I think some of the most common flowers are also some of the prettiest.
3
: of a type that is regularly seen and not considered special or unique
the common housefly
cures for the common cold
4
a
: without special rank or status
a common soldier
You're nothing but a common [=ordinary] thief!
b
: not having power, wealth, or high status
My parents were common [=ordinary, regular] folk.
the common people
the common man
5
: expected from polite and decent people
He didn't even have the common decency to apologize.
It is common courtesy to say "thank you."
6
commoner;commonest,
or more ~; most ~
British, old-fashioned + disapproving
: of or belonging to a low social class
His manners are very common.
She thought him common and uneducated.
plural commons
1
: a public area or park usually in the center of a town or city
the town common
Boston Common
2
US
: a place where meals are served at a school, college, etc.
a dining commons
The campus has several dining commons.
3
Cite this Entry
“Common.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/common. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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