commons

/ˈkɑmənz/
noun
  1. Land or resources that are shared by and belong to a community, often used for grazing, farming, or recreation.
    • The villagers grazed their sheep on the commons.
    • The town commons is a popular spot for picnics and festivals.
    • Historically, the commons provided firewood and pasture for everyone.
  2. The common people; ordinary citizens as opposed to the nobility or elite.
    • In medieval England, the commons had little political power.
    • The rights of the commons were often ignored by the ruling class.
    • The revolution was driven by the demands of the commons.
  3. A dining hall or building where meals are served communally, especially in a college or university.
    • The college commons serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
    • Students gathered in the commons for lunch between classes.
    • They met in the commons to discuss the group project.
  4. The House of Commons (the lower house of the British Parliament).
    • The Prime Minister answers questions in the Commons every week.
    • The bill was debated in the Commons before becoming law.
    • She was elected to the Commons in the last general election.