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

The expansive tented suites feature large decks overlooking the valley, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and tactile interiors enclosed by screen doors, allowing the sounds of the wild to lull guests to sleep. —Julia Eskins, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025

There are plans for a third building that will stretch between Hamlin and Ridgeway that will more fully enclose the complex’s courtyard. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025

Experts additionally recommend enclosing animal pens and coops with fencing––including on top––to keep spaces free of rodent and wild birds. —Jude Coleman, Scientific American, 14 Mar. 2025

There are also plenty of her scarab rings, jellyfish earrings and even Egyptian amulets enclosed in small glass globes, compounding on the idea of timeless treasures. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 13 Mar. 2025

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)

Rhymes for enclose

• aloes
• arose
• bedclothes
• bestows
• boroughs
• buboes
• cargoes
• cocos
• compose
• crossbows
• demos
• depose

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