commune

¹

[ verb kuh-myoon; noun kom-yoon ]

verb (used without object)

, com·muned, com·mun·ing.

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. the Commune. Also called Commune of Paris,
   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)

, com·muned, com·mun·ing.

1. to partake of the Eucharist.

commune

¹

/ kəˈmjuːn /

verb

1. intr Christianity to partake of Communion

Commune

²

/ 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

³

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

⁴

/ 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

Other Words From

• com·muner 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

C16: back formation from communion

Origin of commune²

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

Origin of commune³

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

Example Sentences

Andrew McIntosh’s “Learning” led off a Wild Up concert in BP Hall, with a percussionist communing intriguing small sounds with those from field recordings made in Angeles National Forest.

From Los Angeles Times

The docuseries revisits Manson’s life before he made his way to Berkeley and became the leader of a hippy-like commune comprising mostly young women.

From Los Angeles Times

For Deadwyler, more importantly, the film is an opportunity to commune with Wilson’s writing.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether that means making a big pot of red lentil dal to sustain me throughout my overscheduled weeks or joining family and friends to commune in grief and regret while also holding space for hope.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities have now issued flood and landslide warnings for 401 communes across 18 northern provinces.

From BBC