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

In a state with so many remote enclaves, many of those patients are likely to wind up in the care of LifeFlight of Maine, a nonprofit critical care transport organization with helicopters, a plane, and ambulances. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026

In Atlanta, unfettered by the traditional divisions of ethnic enclaves, immigrants have become integral parts of our communities, sharing their heritage and history with us across our neighborhoods and suburbs. — Su-Jit Lin, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The Duke of Sussex and his wife, along with their two children, have been living in Montecito, an affluent coastal enclave in Santa Barbara County, California. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026

Beyond the apartment itself lies one of London’s buzzier lifestyle enclaves. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 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