enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv  ˈän-ˌklāv 

: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory

ethnic enclaves

Did you know?

Enclave comes from French enclaver, meaning "to enclose," which itself is based on the Latin noun clavis, meaning "key." Clavis opened the door to a few other English words, some of which might seem unlikely relatives of enclave. For example, clavicle, the word for the bone that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade, and the musical sign clef.

Examples of enclave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Brooks was instrumental in redeveloping the neighborhood into a suburban-like enclave for working- and middle-class Black Americans. — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Bobby Hill Inimitably voiced by Pamela Adlon, Bobby Hill became a beacon for all artistic, misunderstood kids living in a conservative enclave with their parents. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026

The tussle over the soccer match also comes with Spain still reeling from a massive border crossing by tens of thousands of migrants who pushed through the frontier from Morocco into the north African Spanish enclave in late July. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

As redevelopment of the historic Brookhill Village complex in South End moves forward, developers are looking for funds to extend and beautify roadways in the enclave. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from enclaver to enclose, from Vulgar Latin *inclavare to lock up, from Latin in- + clavis key — more at clavicle

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for enclave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave
• architrave

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Kids Definition

enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv  ˈän- 

ˈäŋ-

: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social group within a foreign region or community

Etymology

from French enclave "enclave," derived from early French enclaver "to enclose"

Medical Definition

enclave

noun

en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv; ˈän-ˌklāv  ˈäŋ- 

-ˌkläv

: something enclosed in an organ or tissue but not a continuous part of it