enclosure

noun

en·​clo·​sure in-ˈklō-zhər How to pronounce enclosure (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly inclosure
Synonyms of enclosurenext
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 Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit 20 Gallons is the best choice for new turtle owners who want to ensure that their pet is kept in a suitable enclosure. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 By the end of the night same day, the cow was back in its enclosure, and traffic was free to resume without any further blockages. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 Megan and Jay Gerig sat in a plain white enclosure inside the exhibit, listening to voices of other survivors. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026 Across this chain of hills, archaeologists have seemed to locate other enclosures. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026 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 12 Jan. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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