communal
Americanadjective
-
used or shared in common by everyone in a group.
a communal jug of wine.
-
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
-
pertaining to a commune or a community.
communal life.
-
engaged in by or involving two or more communities.
communal conflict.
adjective
-
belonging or relating to a community as a whole
-
relating to different groups within a society
communal strife
-
of or relating to a commune or a religious community
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of communal
First recorded in 1805–15; from French, from Latin commūnālis, equivalent to commūn(e) “community, state” + -ālis adjective suffix; see commune 2, -al 1
Explanation
Communal and community both come from Latin communis, "common, of the community." If a pool is communal, it can be used by the members of the community that own it. A communal well in a town without plumbing is a great idea. Until it runs dry, everyone can take responsibility for caring for their water source. A communal drinking cup is not such a great idea — especially if you've got a nasty cold.
Vocabulary lists containing communal
Declaration of the Rights of Woman (1791)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Things Fall Apart
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Russia - Middle School and High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Communal spaces will also be updated and roof repairs undertaken at Pennyghael Community Hall.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2025
Communal violence is not common in Nepal, which is a Hindu majority country that turned secular just a few years ago.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2023
Communal eating is also intricately woven into the social fabric of traditional communities.
From Salon • Aug. 24, 2023
Communal and social support have long been missing — yet crucial — components.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2023
Communal learning lends itself to performing in a circle, and indeed most game songs are performed in a circle.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
