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

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.
This system used early computers and data networking to communicate about that mythical Soviet air attack, and without explicit knowledge, beyond the purview of consent, Pynchon knew that Americans of the 1960s were being enclosed in a vast, dangerous, inhuman, technological system. Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025 Well, more of a cross between a bed and a trunk; it was completely enclosed, with a single-piece tonneau that hinged upwards like a sedan’s rear hatch and a pair of side-opening doors instead of a fold-down tailgate. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025 The ellipse enclosing these locations is called an error ellipse. Toshi Hirabayashi, Space.com, 23 July 2025 Outside the venue, fans spotted an art installation featuring a muscular figure enclosed in a clear box — seemingly a nod to the upcoming album’s cover art. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 July 2025 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 19 Aug. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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