: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory
ethnic enclaves
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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
Over the past two years, many Palestinians were left with no option but to move into tents and temporary shelters amid the devastating war that left much of the enclave in ruins.
—
Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025
But rights advocates blame Sánchez’s policies for the violent deaths of migrants in Spain and abroad, such as the 2022 flashpoint in the Spanish enclave of Melilla, in North Africa.
—Suman Naishadham, Fortune, 13 Dec. 2025
Hundreds of people had gathered in the area to watch the arrival of Santa Claus in the wealthy enclave.
—Louis Casiano , Tessa Hoyos, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Wilson describes his new space as an enclave, where his celebrity clients can come in and have an intimate, personalized experience.
—Jessica Swannie, Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enclave
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Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025
But rights advocates blame Sánchez’s policies for the violent deaths of migrants in Spain and abroad, such as the 2022 flashpoint in the Spanish enclave of Melilla, in North Africa.
—Suman Naishadham, Fortune, 13 Dec. 2025
Hundreds of people had gathered in the area to watch the arrival of Santa Claus in the wealthy enclave.
—Louis Casiano , Tessa Hoyos, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Wilson describes his new space as an enclave, where his celebrity clients can come in and have an intimate, personalized experience.
—Jessica Swannie, Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enclave
Cite this Entry
“Enclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclave. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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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
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