American English

How to pronounce communities

nounB1Very common word
kʰuhMYOOnihddeez

/kʰəˈmju.nɪ.ɾiz/

4 syllables · Stress the second syllable.

Form of community

Groups of people who live in the same place, such as towns or neighborhoods.

What to listen for

In natural connected speech, the first vowel can be very short, and the /m/ may carry that syllable: /kʰm̩ˈju.nɪ.ɾiz/. When you say the word alone, keep a clear first vowel.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

plural noun

Groups of people who live in the same place, such as towns or neighborhoods.

The communities came together to clean the park.

The communities have different traditions and customs.

plural noun

Groups of people who share an interest, identity, or activity, even if they do not live in the same place.

The online communities discussed the latest trends.

Local communities organize charity events.

Useful expressions

sense of community

a feeling of belonging to a group

The festival created a real sense of community.

community service

unpaid work that helps other people or a local area

He completed community service at a food bank.

Related words & forms

The plural changes y to ies: community → communities.