Communal means shared by a group of people rather than owned or used by just one person. A communal kitchen in a college dorm belongs to everyone on the floor. A communal garden is tended by neighbors who all pitch in and share the harvest. When something is communal, it's for the whole community.

Think of a communal table at lunch where everyone sits together, or communal supplies in an art class that any student can use.

Communal living means sharing spaces and resources with others. Some families live in communal arrangements where several households share cooking duties, childcare, and common areas. Throughout history, many cultures have emphasized communal values, where the group's well-being matters as much as any individual's.

The opposite of communal is private or individual. Your bedroom might be private, but the living room is communal. Your diary is private, but the school library is communal.