enclose

verb

en·​close in-ˈklōz How to pronounce enclose (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly
enclosed also inclosed; enclosing also inclosing; encloses also incloses
Synonyms of enclosenext

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to close in : surround
enclose a porch with glass
(2)
: to fence off (common land) for individual use
b
: to hold in : confine
2
: to include along with something else in a parcel or envelope
a check is enclosed herewith

Examples of enclose in a Sentence

The pie's flaky crust encloses a fruit filling. Enclose the fish in foil and bake. She enclosed a photo with the card. Please enclose a check with your application. Enclosed with this letter are the tickets you ordered.
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.
The Uptown Penny Loafer Mule combines a grippy platform sole with a deep heel cup to provide optimal stability for hours-long wear, delivering the same comfort as if your foot were fully enclosed. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026 Equipped with five sockets and two USB ports, this power strip, enclosed in metal with a rubber base, can sit upright on the floor or desktop and offers eight feet of extension from your wall outlet. Kelsey Borovinsky, Architectural Digest, 9 Feb. 2026 That includes the possible facial recognition software that CATS has mentioned and installing bullet-resistant barriers that would enclose bus drivers. Amber Gaudet updated February 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026 In Churchill, the trash sites have all been bear-proofed (enclosed so the animals can’t graze among the garbage), but not so in Arviat, where Inuit enforcers show up in their buggies to honk loudly and chase the bears away from open-air landfills. Peter Debruge, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enclose

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from enclos enclosed, from Anglo-French, past participle of enclore to enclose, from Vulgar Latin *inclaudere, alteration of Latin includere — more at include

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of enclose was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enclose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclose. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

enclose

verb
en·​close
variants also inclose
in-ˈklōz
1
a
: to close in : surround
enclose a porch with glass
b
: to hold in : confine
enclose animals in a pen
2
: to place in a parcel or envelope
enclose a card with the present

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