: 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
Israel and Hamas remain divided over the timeline and scope of Israel's withdrawal and the demilitarization of the enclave after nearly two decades of Hamas rule.
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Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
But fortunately for you, there are no paparazzi or prying eyes, because these suites are designed as private enclaves, where you are hidden from the world while out on the open seas.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Indian Creek, which has a large golf course in the middle of the island, has become one of the most exclusive enclaves in South Florida with tight security limiting access to residents and invited guests.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
The marketplace helped transform the New York enclave into Spanish Harlem.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
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Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
But fortunately for you, there are no paparazzi or prying eyes, because these suites are designed as private enclaves, where you are hidden from the world while out on the open seas.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Indian Creek, which has a large golf course in the middle of the island, has become one of the most exclusive enclaves in South Florida with tight security limiting access to residents and invited guests.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
The marketplace helped transform the New York enclave into Spanish Harlem.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enclave
Cite this Entry
“Enclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclave. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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