: 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 district includes some of the priciest real estate in Los Angeles, such as Bel Air and Holmby Hills, along with more historically middle-class enclaves Palms and the Fairfax District.
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Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Known as the Mansion, the ultra-luxe enclave is the ultimate backstage pass to one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
The documentary traces Hier’s path from an orthodox Jewish enclave to international prominence as the founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
Earlier generations of immigrants – including Catholics and Jews in the 1800s – typically settled in ethnic enclaves.
—David Mislin, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 2026
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Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Known as the Mansion, the ultra-luxe enclave is the ultimate backstage pass to one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
The documentary traces Hier’s path from an orthodox Jewish enclave to international prominence as the founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
Earlier generations of immigrants – including Catholics and Jews in the 1800s – typically settled in ethnic enclaves.
—David Mislin, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 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 3 May. 2026.
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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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