enclose

verb

en·​close in-ˈklōz How to pronounce enclose (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly inclose
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.
The other five locations are enclosed or have retractable roof options. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 The teller’s arm swept around the long-hut, the circular walls of the fortress that enclosed them in its embrace. Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Keep your hands free and available to carry other essentials with this genius pet backpack that's secure, enclosed and sure to keep your pets feeling safe—even in times of crisis. Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 June 2026 One of them, a circular structure measuring 250 square meters (approximately 2,690 square feet), was located in an area between the ditch systems that enclosed the smaller houses, as archaeologists attempt to understand the site’s urban planning. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 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 15 Jun. 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

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