enclosure

noun

en·​clo·​sure in-ˈklō-zhər How to pronounce enclosure (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly inclosure
1
: the act or action of enclosing : the quality or state of being enclosed
2
: something that encloses
3
: something enclosed
a letter with two enclosures

Examples of enclosure in a Sentence

During the day the horses are kept in an enclosure. a letter with two enclosures One of the enclosures was a photograph. the enclosure of a photograph with a letter the enclosure of the garden
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 alpacas, who were captured and returned to their enclosure, had escaped when a third-party worker left their pen unlocked while cleaning, according to WEWS. Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2025 An unruly kangaroo that escaped from a private owner's enclosure in Saint Cloud, Florida, on Monday was safely captured and taken to a local wildlife reserve. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025 After the gate to the enclosure closed behind her, Valerie looked around for an exit, the rescuers said. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025 Tara, who manages event operations at the zoo, opted to have her ceremony in the venue's brand-new lion enclosure. Rachel McRady, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enclosure

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enclosure was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enclosure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclosure. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

enclosure

noun
en·​clo·​sure
variants also inclosure
in-ˈklō-zhər
1
: the act of enclosing : the state of being enclosed
2
: an enclosed space
3
: something (as a fence) that encloses
4
: something enclosed
a letter with two enclosures

More from Merriam-Webster on enclosure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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