communal

adjective

com·​mu·​nal kə-ˈmyü-nᵊl How to pronounce communal (audio)
ˈkäm-yə-nᵊl
Synonyms of communal
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 How to pronounce communal (audio)
ˈkäm-yə-
transitive verb
communally adverb

Synonyms of communal

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Photographs of these events contained in the archive capture a communal experience shared by people of all ages. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 But the proponents of communal living say things can be different. — Brittany Luse, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Traditional Mexican breakfast dishes like chilaquiles and eggs with beans are served on a long communal table in the entrance to Yunaites, one of the city's historic public markets. — Michael Snyder, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026 The caucus event honored state Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Jewish and who has had public disagreements with El-Sayed over his handling of Jewish communal issues. — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for communal

Word History

Etymology

French, from Late Latin communalis, from Latin communis

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of communal was in 1796

Phrases Containing communal

Rhymes for communal

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Browse Nearby Words

communa
communal
communalism
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Cite this Entry

“Communal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communal. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

communal

adjective
com·​mu·​nal kə-ˈmyün-ᵊl How to pronounce communal (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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