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

Derived Forms

• ˈcommunally, adverb
• communality, noun

Other Words From

• com·munal·ly adverb
• inter·com·munal adjective
• noncom·munal adjective
• noncom·munal·ly adverb
• uncom·munal 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

The most fascinating is the complex compositional analysis of the figures in Leonardo’s second most famous painting, “The Last Supper,” that vast fresco in a communal dining room of a Dominican convent in Milan.

From Los Angeles Times

In its place is a ride that serves as a celebration, boasting a statement about the communal power of music and a narrative that serves as an American success story.

From Los Angeles Times

He would also shower naked with them in the communal showers and the boys were ordered not to wear underpants in bed.

From BBC

Mr Bayman, who lives in Dalston, said he had been upset when he discovered his bike was no longer in the communal hallway of his block of flats.

From BBC

In the past decade, the popularity of the communal office kitchen has made lunch breaks more of a social and joyous affair.

From Salon