enclose

verb

en·​close in-ˈklōz How to pronounce enclose (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly
enclosed also inclosed; enclosing also inclosing; encloses also incloses
Synonyms of enclosenext

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to close in : surround
enclose a porch with glass
(2)
: to fence off (common land) for individual use
b
: to hold in : confine
2
: to include along with something else in a parcel or envelope
a check is enclosed herewith

Examples of enclose in a Sentence

The pie's flaky crust encloses a fruit filling. Enclose the fish in foil and bake. She enclosed a photo with the card. Please enclose a check with your application. Enclosed with this letter are the tickets you ordered.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dozens of them are travelling to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the experiment, enclosed in petri dishes inside a pod that measures 4 by 4 by 12 inches (10 by 10 by 30 centimeters). Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026 This control was reflected in the layout of the site, in which workshop areas–identified by furnaces and bronze artifacts—were enclosed by earthen walls and moats, suggesting oversight and protection. Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026 Covered almost entirely in glass, the light and airy expanse hosts the bridge and a spacious open or enclosed lounge that can also serve as a gym and wellness area. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2026 This Near Northside eatery still has seats open in its dining room, enclosed veranda and (weather permitting) outside patio Easter Sunday. Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enclose

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from enclos enclosed, from Anglo-French, past participle of enclore to enclose, from Vulgar Latin *inclaudere, alteration of Latin includere — more at include

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of enclose was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enclose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclose. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

enclose

verb
en·​close
variants also inclose
in-ˈklōz
1
a
: to close in : surround
enclose a porch with glass
b
: to hold in : confine
enclose animals in a pen
2
: to place in a parcel or envelope
enclose a card with the present

More from Merriam-Webster on enclose

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster