enclose

verb

en·​close in-ˈklōz 

en-

variants or less commonly inclose

in-ˈklōz 

enclosed also inclosed; enclosing also inclosing; encloses also incloses

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

Synonyms

• box (in)
• cage
• closet
• coop (up)
• corral
• encage
• encase
• envelop
• fence (in)
• hedge
• hem (in)
• house
• immure
• include
• mew (up)
• pen
• wall (in)

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

That shift forces the enclosing cell to deform and turn rigid, taking on the sickled appearance that gives the disease its name. —Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

Both presidential candidates started speaking enclosed behind bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies after Trump was shot in July. —Noah Bressner, Axios, 16 Sep. 2024

Some weights come with a cradle, which sits on the ground and features grooved slots to hold the weights in place; some can be enclosed in cases that can be easily hidden away; and others offer the option of investing in a stand to make your home setup feel like a gym. —Zoe Weiner, SELF, 16 Sep. 2024

These eggs are enclosed in a silk egg sac, which the female guards diligently. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 9 Aug. 2024

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)

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