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

The same thing happens in November, leading to a runoff decided by a communal game of rock, paper, scissors.

From Los Angeles Times

“Difference Between,” a 23-minute world premiere by Matthew Neenan, holds the stage intriguingly until losing momentum and feeling strung out as it presents an artful, communal gathering that dwindles to a somewhat puzzling conclusion.

From The Wall Street Journal

At a communal table, Cheung hosts tea ceremonies and workshops around a stock of exclusive roasts you can buy.

From The Wall Street Journal

There’s something about the communal experience and I just don’t want people being isolated.

From Los Angeles Times

"Christmas football was originally rooted in a wider tradition of communal entertainments," Professor Martin Johnes of Swansea University told BBC Sport.

From BBC