Definition common in British English

Mergers and takeovers have become increasingly common in recent years.

The most common criticism was that he was always late.

Today smog is a common occurrence in many major cities.

It was common for children to play in the street.

Member states also agreed to pursue a common trade policy.

a group of people descended from a common ancestor

She was Swiss and I am from Vietnam, so French was our common language.

These issues are common to all our clients.

a common soldier/criminal

This is true both for the philosopher and the common man.

In the fifteenth century the common people could neither read nor write.

It would only be common courtesy to return their hospitality.

Why didn't you have the common decency to inform your uncle of where you were going?

He's such a common little man.