communal meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communal meal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a meal that is shared among a group of people, often emphasizing community and togetherness. Example: "The annual festival featured a communal meal where everyone brought a dish to share with their neighbors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Communal meal times?

The Guardian - Opinion

And they serve up a communal meal of lentils.

The New York Times

We were relieved to learn we had not yet missed the nightly communal meal.

The New York Times - Travel

Sacrificial victims are also very frequently burned or else are cooked for a communal meal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each family brings food to a communal meal according to their means.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Members cook a communal meal there twice a week; attendance is voluntary.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The program, which stresses professional and personal development activities, includes workshops, community impact days, biweekly communal meals and weekly language and yoga classes.

HuffPost

Nikos takes the services or brings in more practised people to do it on some of the festivals, but the life of the "community" includes musical events, lecture courses, communal meals and exhibitions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stock shortages of medicines to prevent or treat opportunistic infections were becoming more common, and community and support services (e.g. support groups, communal meals) were being abandoned.

BMC Health Services Research

They would enjoy communal meals and common entertainment areas in the embodiment of Nazi fun.

Independent

Neighbors are piling into a garage for communal meals prepared on an old gas stove.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about traditions or cultural events, using "communal meal" can emphasize the shared experience and community aspect of the occasion.

Common error

Avoid using "communal meal" to describe situations where meals are provided commercially, such as in a restaurant. "Communal meal" implies a shared or community-driven aspect, not a business transaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communal meal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a specific type of meal centered around shared participation, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "communal meal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a shared dining experience emphasizing community and togetherness. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic writings. When using the term, it's important to differentiate it from commercial settings, focusing instead on the shared and community-driven aspects. Alternatives such as "shared feast", "potluck dinner", and "community supper" can provide nuance depending on the specific context. Remembering these factors will make your writing more precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared feast

Emphasizes abundance and celebration in the shared meal.

community supper

Suggests a more formal or organized gathering for a meal.

potluck dinner

Highlights that each participant contributes a dish.

family-style meal

Focuses on the manner of serving food, typically with shared dishes.

social dining

Highlights the social aspect of eating together.

group dining

A more generic term for eating together as a group.

congregational meal

Common in religious or spiritual communities.

table fellowship

Implies a deeper connection and camaraderie during the meal.

common repast

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to describe a shared meal.

mess dinner

Refers to a formal dinner in a military or academic setting.

FAQs

What does "communal meal" mean?

A "communal meal" refers to a meal that is shared among a group of people, emphasizing community and togetherness, often implying a shared contribution or experience.

How can I use "communal meal" in a sentence?

You might say, "The village celebrated the harvest with a /s/communal+meal" or "The co-housing project features weekly /s/communal+meal where residents share food and conversation".

What can I say instead of "communal meal"?

You can use alternatives like "/s/shared+feast", "/s/potluck+dinner", or "/s/community+supper depending on the specific context.

Is a "communal meal" the same as a "family-style meal"?

While both involve sharing food, a "communal meal" emphasizes the community aspect and shared experience, whereas "family-style meal" refers more to the serving style where dishes are placed in the center of the table for everyone to share.