inclusion

noun

in·​clu·​sion in-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of including : the state of being included

inclusion of all expenses in the statement

2

: something that is included: such as

a

: a gaseous, liquid, or solid foreign body enclosed in a mass (as of a mineral)

b

: a passive usually temporary product of cell activity (such as a starch grain) within the cytoplasm or nucleus

3

: the act or practice of including students with disabilities with the general student population

Inclusion refers to a variety of integration approaches, but the goal is to blend special education students into the traditional classroom.

—Suevon Lee

—sometimes used before a noun

an inclusion classroom/school

4

: the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)

promoting inclusion in the workplace

… academic libraries have traditionally struggled to address problems of equity, diversity and inclusion. The low representation of people of color in library staff has been a particular shortcoming, despite many initiatives to attract minority staff to the field.

—Lindsay McKenzie

Tech workers say they are more interested in diversity and are more willing to work to promote inclusion in their workplace …

—Jessica Guynn

Meaningful civic inclusion even now eludes many of our fellow citizens who are recognizably of African descent.

—Glenn C. Loury

5

mathematics : a relation between two classes (see class sense 3c) that exists when all members of the first class are also members of the second compare membership sense 3

inclusionary

in-ˈklü-zhə-ner-ē 

adjective

Examples of inclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In his op-ed reflecting on the texts, the secretary takes to task the Westminster establishment that allowed Mandelson’s selection, but also waxes philosophical about sexism, diversity, and inclusion. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026

Following Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX performance, which promoted love and inclusion, Zarin shared a video ranting about it. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026

One of the most significant differences between the version shared on Cadillac’s social media channels and the television advertisement was the inclusion of more behind-the-scenes footage of what goes into assembling the car, from design to assembly. —Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

With a deep commitment to gender inclusion and diversity, Raya continues to build workplaces where purpose and performance grow together. —CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin inclusion-, inclusio, from includere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inclusion

• diversity, equity, and inclusion
• inclusion body

Rhymes for inclusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• infusion

Kids Definition

inclusion

noun

in·​clu·​sion in-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of including : the state of being included

2

: something that is included

Medical Definition

inclusion

noun

in·​clu·​sion in-ˈklü-zhən 

: something that is included

especially : a passive usually temporary product of cell activity (as a starch grain) within the cytoplasm or nucleus