commune

¹

[kuh-myoon, kom-yoon]

verb (used without object)

communed, communing 

1. to converse or talk together, usually with profound intensity, intimacy, etc.; interchange thoughts or feelings.

2. to be in intimate communication or rapport.

   to commune with nature.

noun

1. interchange of ideas or sentiments.

commune

²

[kom-yoon]

noun

1. a small group of persons living together, sharing possessions, work, income, etc., and often pursuing unconventional lifestyles.

2. a close-knit community of people who share common interests.

3. the smallest administrative division in France, Italy, Switzerland, etc., governed by a mayor assisted by a municipal council.

4. a similar division in some other country.

5. any community organized for the protection and promotion of local interests, and subordinate to the state.

6. the government or citizens of a commune.

7. people's commune.

8. Also called Commune of Paris,. Also called Paris Commune. the Commune.

   1. a revolutionary committee that took the place of the municipality of Paris in the revolution of 1789, usurped the authority of the state, and was suppressed by the National Convention in 1794.

   2. a socialistic government of Paris from March 18 to May 27, 1871.

commune

³

[kuh-myoon]

verb (used without object)

communed, communing 

1. to partake of the Eucharist.

commune

¹

/ ˈkɒmjuːn /

noun

1. a group of families or individuals living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities

2. any small group of people having common interests or responsibilities

3. the smallest administrative unit in Belgium, France, Italy, and Switzerland, governed by a mayor and council

4. the government or inhabitants of a commune

5. a medieval town enjoying a large degree of autonomy

commune

²

verb

1. to talk or converse intimately

2. to experience strong emotion or spiritual feelings (for)

   to commune with nature

noun

1. intimate conversation; exchange of thoughts; communion

Commune

³

/ ˈkɒmjuːn /

noun

1. See Paris Commune

2. a committee that governed Paris during the French Revolution and played a leading role in the Reign of Terror: suppressed 1794

commune

⁴

/ kəˈmjuːn /

verb

1. (intr) Christianity to partake of Communion

Other Word Forms

• communer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of commune¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English com(m)unen “to share, have in common, associate with, tell stories, communicate,” from Middle French com(m)uner, com(m)uniier “to make common, have in common, share,” derivative of comun common

Origin of commune²

First recorded in 1785–95; from French, from Medieval Latin commūna, commūnia (feminine singular), alteration of Latin commūne (neuter singular), or commūnia (neuter plural) “community, state,” originally neuter of commūnis common

Origin of commune³

First recorded in 1325–1375; Middle English; back formation from communion

Word History and Origins

Origin of commune¹

C18: from French, from Medieval Latin commūnia, from Latin: things held in common, from commūnis _common

Origin of commune²

C13: from Old French comuner to hold in common, from comun _common

Origin of commune³

C16: back formation from _communion

Example Sentences

While there are some fully off-grid dwellers, ranging from high-end desert oases and North Coast communes to the famous counterculture settlement of Imperial County’s “Slab City,” an off-grid suburb is one of a kind.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Four communes in Dak Lak were still flooded on Sunday, the ministry said.

Read more on Barron's

People are waiting to help, commune and commiserate, but not enough of them are asking for what they need.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Instead of answering these questions directly, Madame finished her meal and announced her pressing need for a glass of sherry and a meditative nap, so she might commune with the spirits in earnest.

Read more on Literature

A cosmos in which I can commune with those who have gone before me.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cooperative 
• kibbutz 
• municipality 
• village