: 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
Stanaland did not discuss those properties but said the latest record price reflects growing demand from wealthy buyers who increasingly favor south OC’s coastline over traditional luxury enclaves in Los Angeles.
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Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 19 June 2026
Farther south, the Christian village of Ain Ebel is one of a few enclaves in Lebanon's border area where residents have remained during the war.
—ABC News, 18 June 2026
The enclave has seen near-daily strikes, as well as shelling and gunfire along the boundary that divides Gaza into Israeli and Palestinian-controlled zones.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Boston’s tony South End is a wonderful amalgamation of a neighborhood that feels straight out of a European enclave.
—Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for enclave
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Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 19 June 2026
Farther south, the Christian village of Ain Ebel is one of a few enclaves in Lebanon's border area where residents have remained during the war.
—ABC News, 18 June 2026
The enclave has seen near-daily strikes, as well as shelling and gunfire along the boundary that divides Gaza into Israeli and Palestinian-controlled zones.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Boston’s tony South End is a wonderful amalgamation of a neighborhood that feels straight out of a European enclave.
—Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 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 24 Jun. 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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