: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory
ethnic enclaves
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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
Terranea Cove Beach Rancho Palos Verdes is a coastal enclave in southern Los Angeles County that provides a slower pace than the city’s more populous hubs.
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Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
The crossing has in previous ceasefires functioned as a key conduit for humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave.
—Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
During the war, Hamas had faced several unprecedented protests against its rule which grew into armed resistance in parts of the enclave.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Bordering the university, Westcott is the city’s bohemian enclave and is known for its eclectic food scene and artsy character.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
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Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
The crossing has in previous ceasefires functioned as a key conduit for humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave.
—Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
During the war, Hamas had faced several unprecedented protests against its rule which grew into armed resistance in parts of the enclave.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Bordering the university, Westcott is the city’s bohemian enclave and is known for its eclectic food scene and artsy character.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enclave
Cite this Entry
“Enclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclave. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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Medical Definition
enclave
noun
en·clave
ˈen-ˌklāv; ˈän-ˌklāv 
ˈäŋ-
ˈäŋ-
-ˌkläv
: something enclosed in an organ or tissue but not a continuous part of it
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