enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv  ˈän-ˌklāv 

: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory

ethnic enclaves

Did you know?

Enclave comes from French enclaver, meaning "to enclose," which itself is based on the Latin noun clavis, meaning "key." Clavis opened the door to a few other English words, some of which might seem unlikely relatives of enclave. For example, clavicle, the word for the bone that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade, and the musical sign clef.

Examples of enclave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In October, authorities established a cemetery in the city of Deir al Balah to bury unidentified bodies recovered from around the enclave. — Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

On a May morning, TVS Motor Company’s factory on a 120-hectare campus located in the industrial enclave of Hosur in south India is bustling with activity. — Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

Word of his death spreads along nearby Willow Road, where an immigrant Hindu enclave, embroiled in feuds amid Pathways and Cash & Carry, is shattered by the mystery at the heart of Bindu Bansinath’s debut. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

The first phase of the agreement called for a complete end to fighting in Gaza, but Israel has carried out near-daily strikes in the enclave. — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from enclaver to enclose, from Vulgar Latin *inclavare to lock up, from Latin in- + clavis key — more at clavicle

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for enclave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave
• architrave

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Kids Definition

enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv  ˈän- 

ˈäŋ-

: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social group within a foreign region or community

Etymology

from French enclave "enclave," derived from early French enclaver "to enclose"

Medical Definition

enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv; ˈän-ˌklāv  ˈäŋ- 

-ˌkläv

: something enclosed in an organ or tissue but not a continuous part of it