enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv  ˈän-ˌklāv 

: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory

ethnic enclaves

Did you know?

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

As redevelopment of the historic Brookhill Village complex in South End moves forward, developers are looking for funds to extend and beautify roadways in the enclave. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

As dusk approached San Diego’s seaside enclave of Ocean Beach, its Sunset Cliffs bustled on a recent Friday evening. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Six-foot pink elephants greet guests at the doors of Broadwick Soho's maximalist enclave designed by Martin Brudnizki. — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Over the years, the tiny Alpine enclave has evolved from a rural agricultural hamlet to a winter sports destination. — Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from enclaver to enclose, from Vulgar Latin *inclavare to lock up, from Latin in- + clavis key — more at clavicle

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for enclave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave
• architrave

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Kids Definition

enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv  ˈän- 

ˈäŋ-

: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social group within a foreign region or community

Etymology

from French enclave "enclave," derived from early French enclaver "to enclose"

Medical Definition

enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv; ˈän-ˌklāv  ˈäŋ- 

-ˌkläv

: something enclosed in an organ or tissue but not a continuous part of it