: 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 exceptions are in conservative enclaves such as Bloomfield Hills and most of the townships.
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Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Located at the Southwestern periphery of Los Angeles in the swanky enclave of Palos Verdes, Terrenea has built a reputation for its accommodation of families and its feeling of being far, far away while still within Los Angeles County limits.
—Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Head to Playa Rosa for lunch or dinner and learn about the captivating history surrounding this enclave known for its arts and wildlife.
—Zachary Rabinor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024
Norwalk, a Latino-majority city with a median household income under $100,000, stands out from Beverly Hills, Coronado, La Cañada Flintridge and other wealthy, white enclaves that have challenged the state on housing issues.
—Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
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Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Located at the Southwestern periphery of Los Angeles in the swanky enclave of Palos Verdes, Terrenea has built a reputation for its accommodation of families and its feeling of being far, far away while still within Los Angeles County limits.
—Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Head to Playa Rosa for lunch or dinner and learn about the captivating history surrounding this enclave known for its arts and wildlife.
—Zachary Rabinor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024
Norwalk, a Latino-majority city with a median household income under $100,000, stands out from Beverly Hills, Coronado, La Cañada Flintridge and other wealthy, white enclaves that have challenged the state on housing issues.
—Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enclave
Dictionary Entries Near enclave
Cite this Entry
“Enclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclave. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
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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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