community property

noun

: property held jointly by a married couple

Examples of community property in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In states with community property laws State law can also affect who is responsible for unpaid debt. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026 These risks can be mitigated through careful planning around key legal factors, including California corporate, probate, and community property laws, restrictions imposed by your business’s governing documents, and estate, income, and property tax exposure. Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026 In 1948, Congress passed legislation creating joint filing status nationwide, making the community property issue moot. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2026 As Somoza supporters fled, their radio stations became community property. Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for community property

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of community property was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Community property.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community%20property. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Legal Definition

community property

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