communion

noun

com·​mu·​nion kə-ˈmyü-nyən How to pronounce communion (audio)
1
: an act or instance of sharing
2
a
capitalized : a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ
b
: the act of receiving Communion
c
capitalized : the part of a Communion service in which the sacrament is received
3
: intimate fellowship or rapport : communication
sat alone on the mountain, in communion with the wilderness
4
: a body of Christians having a common faith and discipline
the Anglican communion

Examples of communion in a Sentence

She went to the front of the church for Communion. gradually established a feeling of communion with her fellow physicians
Recent Examples on the Web Indeed, now celebrating its 20th edition, the Moroccan event has always sought to shine a celebratory light, emphasizing art and international communion, especially in dark times. Ben Croll, Variety, 24 Nov. 2023 Services will also be held at the church at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., that day, with ashes and communion to mark the beginning of Lent. Amy Syversen, director of bands at Dayton Oaks Elementary School, is proud to announce the Musicians of the Month for February. Tracy Trobridge, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2024 To join the crowds and gently spread black oil on a stranger’s cheek — these moments of communion are the ethos of Carnival. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2024 His songs inspired a spiritual experience and his concerts functioned as a kind of communion. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2024 The optimistic part of me wants to believe that all who have suffered such tremendous violation can regain themselves, can heal, if only in part, by beauty, communion, compassion, bearing witness, justice, love. Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023 The singer also apologized for a TikTok video of himself simulating the act of taking communion, where he’s seen taking shots of purple juice while scarfing down crackers in what appears to be a religious setting. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2024 Oh My Lonnie Holley’s fourth album is like a cosmic mixtape, placing the septuagenarian outsider artist’s ruminations on slavery, mortality, and intergenerational Black trauma in communion with a range of stylistic diversions and high-profile guests. Pitchfork, 14 Dec. 2023 With heads bowed in prayer, hands held in communion, or eyes lifted to heaven, families give thanks for all good things. Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 23 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'communion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin communion-, communio mutual participation, from communis — see common entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of communion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near communion

Cite this Entry

“Communion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

communion

noun
com·​mu·​nion kə-ˈmyü-nyən How to pronounce communion (audio)
1
capitalized
a
: a Christian sacrament in which bread and wine are partaken of as a commemoration of the last supper of Jesus
b
: the part of the Mass in which the Eucharist is received
2
: friendly communication
3
: a body of Christians having a common faith and discipline

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