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

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

It was opened about 10 years ago but none of the older residents remember the plugs or taps in the communal kitchen ever working.

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The complex, in Bermondsey, has 59 flats plus communal facilities, including a roof garden, courtyard and community kitchen.

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As for meetings themselves, Claire says "organised fun" such as book clubs or pottery classes can alleviate the stress of hosting and make it a communal occasion.

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Instead, Quiñones does his best to entertain the crowd and create a communal experience of laughter while being truthful about where he comes from.

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Craftsman porches provide comfortable communal spaces where people can interact with their neighbors.

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