enclave

noun

: 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
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.
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. 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enclave was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Enclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclave. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

enclave

noun
en·​clave ˈen-ˌklāv How to pronounce enclave (audio) ˈän- How to pronounce enclave (audio)
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
: something enclosed in an organ or tissue but not a continuous part of it

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