: 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
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Next, editor at large Mark Ellwood brings us to the Nile’s west bank in Luxor, Egypt, where the visionary behind a luxury hotel is transforming a stretch of land into a working farm and artisan’s enclave—papermakers, ceramicists, furniture makers—all collaborating alongside the river.
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John Vorwald, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025
The holdouts span the generation gaps, uniting elderly and middle-aged enclaves born in the pre-internet times with the digital natives raised in the era of online ubiquity.
—Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025
Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed more than 71,000 people, according to the enclave’s health ministry.
—CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
Even though a ceasefire is in force, many haven’t been able to return to their homes because much of the enclave has been reduced to rubble.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 25 Dec. 2025
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John Vorwald, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025
The holdouts span the generation gaps, uniting elderly and middle-aged enclaves born in the pre-internet times with the digital natives raised in the era of online ubiquity.
—Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025
Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed more than 71,000 people, according to the enclave’s health ministry.
—CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
Even though a ceasefire is in force, many haven’t been able to return to their homes because much of the enclave has been reduced to rubble.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 25 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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