: 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
Positioned just to the south-east of Conegliano, this 107-hectare enclave brilliantly encapsulates the story of premium Prosecco and its misunderstood identity.
—
Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
While Newsom has experienced a decline in popularity, Republicans have seen further gains in the southern California enclave since Essayli rose to power.
—Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Nov. 2024
For couples who want to stay in an adult-only enclave in the bustling, colorful city of San Juan, check out Condado Ocean Club for your honeymoon retreat.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
In August, the Harris-Walz team sold nearly $1 million in camouflage hats that became their own cultural signifier in deep blue enclaves like Brooklyn, New York.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enclave 
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.
Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
While Newsom has experienced a decline in popularity, Republicans have seen further gains in the southern California enclave since Essayli rose to power.
—Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Nov. 2024
For couples who want to stay in an adult-only enclave in the bustling, colorful city of San Juan, check out Condado Ocean Club for your honeymoon retreat.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
In August, the Harris-Walz team sold nearly $1 million in camouflage hats that became their own cultural signifier in deep blue enclaves like Brooklyn, New York.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enclave
Dictionary Entries Near enclave
Cite this Entry
“Enclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclave. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
enclave
noun
en·clave
ˈen-ˌklāv; ˈän-ˌklāv 
ˈäŋ-
ˈäŋ-
-ˌkläv
: something enclosed in an organ or tissue but not a continuous part of it
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share