Commons

Quick meaning: Commons is a noun meaning plural of common.

Meaning

plural of common.

More Meanings

1. (usually singular in construction) A public area, especially a dining hall, at a college or university; a similar shared space elsewhere.
2. (figuratively) The mutual good of all; the abstract concept of resources shared by more than one, for example air, water, information.
3. The common people collectively, the third estate, the people not belonging to the nobility or clergy.
4. (euphemistic, obsolete) An outhouse.
5. (usually singular in construction) A common (common land); especially, a central section of (usually an older) town, designated as a shared area.
6. (chiefly historical) The free burghers/bourgeoisie of a given town, taken collectively.
7. (obsolete, UK, Oxford University) Food served at a fixed rate from the college buttery, distinguished from battels.

Example Sentences

short commons

The commons of New England towns are important contributors to their charm.

The Renaissance festival started with the "peasants" meeting in the commons.

The commons is the green space surrounded by the village hall, the school, and the church.

Synonyms for commons

Depending on context, synonyms include commoners, backhouse, backside, bog, boggard, boghouse.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include commonalty, commonality, park, green, commune, joint.

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