: 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
Christian villagers who stayed behind in southern Lebanon, ignoring Israel’s blanket evacuation warnings for the area, have increasingly hardened into enclaves surrounded by fierce clashes.
—
ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
The district is the first of its kind in the country, home to the densest enclave of Arab Americans in Orange County and more than 100 Arab and Middle East/North African businesses.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
The Smith property at 2581 Shirland Tract Road in South Auburn is tucked behind double gates in a small enclave of five homes.
—David Caraccio
april 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Beyond the vitrines of watches that weave throughout the space is another enclave with banquette seating to also be used for appointments.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enclave
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ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
The district is the first of its kind in the country, home to the densest enclave of Arab Americans in Orange County and more than 100 Arab and Middle East/North African businesses.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
The Smith property at 2581 Shirland Tract Road in South Auburn is tucked behind double gates in a small enclave of five homes.
—David Caraccio
april 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Beyond the vitrines of watches that weave throughout the space is another enclave with banquette seating to also be used for appointments.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enclave
Cite this Entry
“Enclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclave. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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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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