inclusion

noun

in·​clu·​sion in-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of including : the state of being included

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)

… 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

Some come from Jackson’s inclusion of Jackson Five music into his upcoming show. —Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2024

Whether or not the inclusion of this real-world reference was intentional, the impact is likely going to be the same. —David Gilbert, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2024

Until 1990, the F40 was built without a catalytic converter, at which point the U.S. required the inclusion of the device for emissions purposes. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024

After Stanley fans took their cups to be tested for lead (and documented the journey on TikTok), concern over the possible inclusion of lead in consumers’ everyday water cups has been raised online. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024

Clinical’s Hydra-Cool Serum offers the most sensorial experience of any serum on the list on account of the inclusion of soothing menthol, which cools the skin. —Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2024

Some properties have very basic perks attached to this fee, like the inclusion of Wi-Fi or the water housekeeping leaves in your room. —Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2024

Now that she’s been appointed as a deputy chief, her goal is to continue improving diversity and inclusion in the force as well as inspire girls and women to follow their ambitions, no matter who tries to dissuade them. —Karla Rendon, NBC News, 8 Apr. 2024

The University of Florida also eliminated all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions at the university to comply with recent Board of Governors restrictions. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin inclusion-, inclusio, from includere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inclusion

• inclusion body

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