: 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
This Mediterranean-style enclave is home to not only top-notch service, but also, the most delicious and well-prepared entrees.
—
Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
The now-tony West London locale was considered a destitute enclave for artists and bohemians at the time, and Hockney's flat epitomized this lifestyle.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
South Omaha’s business district, known as a vibrant Hispanic enclave, is still feeling the impacts of last year's immigration raid, officials and business owners say.
—Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 11 June 2026
Barneys New York ranks as one of retail’s greatest makeovers — transforming from a menswear discounter in the ’60s into a chic and irreverent enclave for luxury fashion.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for enclave
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Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
The now-tony West London locale was considered a destitute enclave for artists and bohemians at the time, and Hockney's flat epitomized this lifestyle.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
South Omaha’s business district, known as a vibrant Hispanic enclave, is still feeling the impacts of last year's immigration raid, officials and business owners say.
—Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 11 June 2026
Barneys New York ranks as one of retail’s greatest makeovers — transforming from a menswear discounter in the ’60s into a chic and irreverent enclave for luxury fashion.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 11 June 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 18 Jun. 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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