A central section of (usually an older) town, designated as a shared area, a common.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.The commons of New England towns are important contributors to their charm.
(figuratively) The mutualgood of all; the abstractconcept of resources shared by more than one, for example air, water, information."The tragedy of the commons" is that none wish to make sacrifices of their or their family's interests for the common good.