communal

American  

[kuh-myoon-l, kom-yuh-nl] / kəˈmyun l, ˈkɒm yə 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.

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communal British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of communal

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

Inside the primary structure, visitors will find bright open spaces, elegant design details, and many communal living areas, ideal for those with a fondness for entertaining.

From MarketWatch

While classrooms may not be fun, they are indisputably a communal experience.

From Salon

Desai added that he planned to balance that rabble-rousing spirit with productions that leaned more “celebratory and communal” and provided “different ways of having catharsis.”

From Los Angeles Times

While the attacks gain global media attention, it is daily life that has gotten less comfortable for many Jews who participate in communal life.

From The Wall Street Journal

Service charges cover the costs of buildings insurance, repairs and maintenance to the exterior of the properties, such as the cleaning of shared spaces or upkeep of communal gardens.

From BBC