: 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
The statement reiterated calls for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the return of all remaining hostages still held captive in the enclave.
—
Callum Sutherland, Time, 21 July 2025
The latest casualties reflect a deepening crisis in the enclave.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
Since then, more than 58,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including thousands of children, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave, while much of the territory has been destroyed.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 17 July 2025
Should the most recent application — filed last month with the city of San Diego — be approved, the property will be divided into two residential enclaves.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for enclave
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Callum Sutherland, Time, 21 July 2025
The latest casualties reflect a deepening crisis in the enclave.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
Since then, more than 58,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including thousands of children, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave, while much of the territory has been destroyed.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 17 July 2025
Should the most recent application — filed last month with the city of San Diego — be approved, the property will be divided into two residential enclaves.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 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 29 Jul. 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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