: 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
The neighborhood/area With Sagaponeck to the east and Water Mill and Southampton to the west, Bridgehampton is often overlooked when choosing a Hamptons enclave.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
As many as 1,200 health care workers were killed overall under Israel's offensive in the enclave as of February 2025, according to the organization.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
The multi-day event, founded by jewelry entrepreneur Oliver Smith and presented in partnership with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, will return to the upscale Colorado enclave this August with an unprecedented program.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2026
Located in the country’s southwestern Bernese Oberland region, Gstaad remains one of the Alps’ most discreet luxury enclaves.
—Ramona Saviss, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enclave
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
As many as 1,200 health care workers were killed overall under Israel's offensive in the enclave as of February 2025, according to the organization.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
The multi-day event, founded by jewelry entrepreneur Oliver Smith and presented in partnership with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, will return to the upscale Colorado enclave this August with an unprecedented program.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2026
Located in the country’s southwestern Bernese Oberland region, Gstaad remains one of the Alps’ most discreet luxury enclaves.
—Ramona Saviss, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 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 27 Mar. 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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