communal

[kuh-myoon-l, kom-yuh-nl]

adjective

1. used or shared in common by everyone in a group.

   a communal jug of wine.

2. of, by, or belonging to the people of a community; shared or participated in by the public.

   communal land; Building the playground was a communal project.

   Synonyms: collective, common, public

3. pertaining to a commune or a community.

   communal life.

4. engaged in by or involving two or more communities.

   communal conflict.

communal

/ ˌkɒmjʊˈnælɪtɪ, ˈkɒmjʊnəl /

adjective

1. belonging or relating to a community as a whole

2. relating to different groups within a society

   communal strife

3. of or relating to a commune or a religious community

Other Word Forms

• communally adverb
• intercommunal adjective
• noncommunal adjective
• noncommunally adverb
• uncommunal adjective
• communality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of communal¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from French, from Latin commūnālis, equivalent to commūn(e) “community, state” + -ālis adjective suffix; commune ², -al ¹

Example Sentences

Growing concerns about physical safety and political marginalization are prompting California’s Jewish community to withdraw from civic engagement and embrace more insular communal structures, particularly among Orthodox populations who face fewer barriers to community cohesion.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The two residences will share a communal driveway that will be secured by a private guard house stationed at the entryway—and each will be given a new address when completed.

Read more on MarketWatch

In Toronto, fans get to the game the way God intended: on mass transit that drops you off right at the ballpark, because the communal experience of professional sports should include the ride there.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In my little corner of Silver Lake, 7 p.m. commenced a daily cacophonous communal concert of pots and pans banging, trombones and trumpets blaring, dogs and coyotes howling: a grateful group roar.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Halloween also provides a rare practice for essential civic virtues, teaching children social bravery, reciprocity and respect for communal norms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal