adjective
Uncommon
communal
kuh-MYOO-nuhl
Communal (adjective) means Shared by everyone in a group or community; not privately owned. Example: “The flatmates kept the kitchen as communal space.”
adjective
1
Shared by everyone in a group or community; not privately owned.
"The flatmates kept the kitchen as communal space."
"They eat their meals in a communal dining hall."
"The village keeps a communal garden where anyone can grow vegetables."
How to use communal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBelonging to or used by a whole group rather than one person.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
communal living
communal space
communal meal
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more communal
- Superlative
- most communal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The flatmates kept the kitchen as _____ space.
Etymology
From French communal, from Late Latin communalis, from communis ("common").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for communal
See all rhymes for communal →Frequently asked questions
What does “communal” mean?
The word “communal” means shared by everyone in a group or community; not privately owned. In plain terms, belonging to or used by a whole group rather than one person.
How do you pronounce “communal”?
“Communal” is pronounced kuh-MYOO-nuhl (/kəˈmju.nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “communal” in a sentence?
Here is “communal” used in a sentence: “The flatmates kept the kitchen as communal space.”
What part of speech is “communal”?
“Communal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “communal” come from?
The word “communal” comes from Late Latin. From French communal, from Late Latin communalis, from communis ("common").
Is “communal” a common word?
“Communal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between communal and public?
Communal specifically means shared by everyone within a defined group or community, such as residents of a building sharing a communal kitchen. Public is broader and implies open access to anyone, including people outside any specific group.
What is a common example of something communal?
A communal space is one not privately owned but shared by a group, such as a communal garden, communal kitchen, or communal living arrangement, where members of a household or community use the same facilities together.
Is communal the opposite of private?
Yes, communal is essentially the opposite of private or individually owned. Something communal belongs to or is used by the whole group rather than being reserved for one person.
