kəˈmju:nɪtɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a
all the people living in a
specific locality. b a specific locality, including
its inhabitants. 2 a
body of people having a
religion, a
profession,
etc., in
common (the
immigrant community). 3
fellowship of interests etc.; similarity (community of intellect). 4 a
monastic, socialistic, etc. body practising common ownership. 5
joint ownership or
liability (community of goods). 6 (prec. by the) the
public. 7 a body of nations unified by common interests. 8 Ecol. a
group of animals or plants living or growing
together in the
same area. øcommunity
centre a
place providing social etc. facilities
for a
neighbourhood. community
charge (in the UK) a
tax levied locally on
every adult in a community. community
chest US a
fund for
charity and welfare work in a community. community
home Brit. a centre for housing
young offenders and
other juveniles in
need of custodial
care. community service
order an order for a convicted offender to
perform a
period of
unpaid work in the community. community singing singing by a
large crowd or group,
esp. of
old popular songs or hymns. community
spirit a
feeling of belonging to a community, expressed in
mutual support etc. [ME f. OF comunet÷ f. L communitas -tatis (as COMMON)]
