often attributive
1
: a unified body of individuals: such as
a
: the people with common interests living in a particular area
broadly : the area itself
the problems of a large community
b
: a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society
a community of retired persons
a monastic community
c
: a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society
the academic community
the scientific community
d
: a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests
the international community
e
: a group linked by a common policy
f
: an interacting population of various kinds of individuals [such as species] in a common location
2
a
: a social state or condition
The school encourages a sense of community in its students.
b
: joint ownership or participation
community of goods
c
: common character : likeness
community of interests
3
: society at large
the interests of the community
Synonyms
Example Sentences
a respectable member of the community The festival was a great way for the local community to get together. Many communities are facing budget problems. People in the community wanted better police protection.
Recent Examples on the Web For the young couple, things are going smoothly until Mehdi meets Marie, a young French woman caught
up in the social life of the expatriate community.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'community.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English comunete, from Anglo-French communité, from Latin communitat-, communitas, from communis — see common entry 1
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of community was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near community
Cite this Entry
“Community.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community. Accessed 27 Nov. 2022.
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Last Updated: 17 Nov 2022 - Updated example sentences
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Merriam-Webster unabridged