commune

¹ American  

[kuh-myoon, kom-yoon] / kəˈmyun, ˈkɒm yun /

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.

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noun

1. interchange of ideas or sentiments.

commune ² American  

[kom-yoon] / ˈkɒm yun /

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.

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commune ³ American  

[kuh-myoon] / kəˈmyun /

verb (used without object)

communed, communing

1. to partake of the Eucharist.

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commune ¹ British  

/ 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

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commune ² British  

verb

1. to talk or converse intimately

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

   to commune with nature

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noun

1. intimate conversation; exchange of thoughts; communion

Commune ³ British  

/ 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

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commune ⁴ British  

/ kəˈmjuːn /

verb

1. (intr) Christianity to partake of Communion

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Other Word Forms

• communer noun

Etymology

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

Explanation

A commune is a group living situation where people share everything. Communes were popular with the peace-loving hippies of the 1960s. In Europe, a commune is a small administrative district. But in America, it's a way of life. A bunch of people with similar beliefs might all decide to get a big house and live communally, sharing the cooking, bills, and everything else. You can also commune with something, like nature: that means to be in tune with nature and very receptive to it. To commune can also mean to receive the Catholic communion.

Example Sentences

And he was born in Bondy, the Paris commune where Kylian Mbappe and William Saliba come from.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

Most of the 18 passengers were teachers from Hanoi on a charity trip to Lao Cai province, where the accident occurred on a long downhill stretch in Phinh Ho commune.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

He adds that “when there is desperation to commune with a loved one, any glimmer of responsiveness can be interpreted as lucidity.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

I am here to commune with the dead.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

Each entering saint, before he could take part in the service, must commune for a moment alone with the Lord.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

Related Words

• cooperative
• kibbutz
• municipality
• village