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

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 incident took place in an area enclosed by a large decorative cutout designed to resemble a porthole in the side of the ship. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025 Two hundred years later, Slott preserved the historic facade while enclosing the rear of the home in glass to overlook the waterfall that once powered the mill. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025 The press release said it’s not known how the bear got into the zoo, which is enclosed by a fence. Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025 The new experiment will be enclosed under a kilometer of rock in the Stawell Gold Mine, located in regional Victoria, Australia. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 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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