: 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
Known as the surf capital of Europe, Ericeira is a sandy enclave less than an hour from Lisbon.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
The Israeli military says this was one of a honeycomb of tunnels underneath the enclave, all of which will need to be destroyed before reconstruction can begin.
—Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026
The team will continue specializing in the region’s most coveted luxury enclaves, including Rancho Santa Fe (Covenant, Fairbanks Ranch, Del Mar Country Club, The Bridges and surrounding gated communities), Del Mar, La Jolla, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Carmel Valley and Poway.
—Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Singer-songwriter John Denver once owned a home and recording studio there, helping establish the enclave as a discreet retreat for high-profile residents.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enclave
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Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
The Israeli military says this was one of a honeycomb of tunnels underneath the enclave, all of which will need to be destroyed before reconstruction can begin.
—Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026
The team will continue specializing in the region’s most coveted luxury enclaves, including Rancho Santa Fe (Covenant, Fairbanks Ranch, Del Mar Country Club, The Bridges and surrounding gated communities), Del Mar, La Jolla, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Carmel Valley and Poway.
—Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Singer-songwriter John Denver once owned a home and recording studio there, helping establish the enclave as a discreet retreat for high-profile residents.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 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 28 Feb. 2026.
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
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