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.
Phrases and idioms:
community 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.
Etymology: ME f. OF comuneteacute f. L communitas -tatis (as COMMON)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.