What is the definition of communism?

Communism. a. A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people. read more

Communism definition, a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state. See more. read more

In some sources, communism is equated with socialism; in others, it is contrasted with democracy and capitalism. Part of this confusion stems from the fact that the word communism has been applied to varying political systems over time. read more