: 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 project is a collection of 22 shorts by emerging local filmmakers told through fiction, documentary, docu-fiction, animation and experimental cinema, each capturing the daily challenges, tragedies and moments of resilience faced in the Palestinian enclave.
—
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
Health officials in the Palestinian enclave more than 47,000 people have been killed since the start of the war, which began after Hamas launched multipronged attacks on Israel, killing 1,200 and taking around 250 people hostage, according to official tallies.
—Raf Sanchez, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Since the ceasefire was agreed, the amount of aid heading into the enclave has increased.
—Natasha Turak, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
In the wake of the cease-fire, Hamas forces have reasserted their control over much of Gaza, and most of the hostages still remain in the enclave.
—Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
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Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
Health officials in the Palestinian enclave more than 47,000 people have been killed since the start of the war, which began after Hamas launched multipronged attacks on Israel, killing 1,200 and taking around 250 people hostage, according to official tallies.
—Raf Sanchez, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Since the ceasefire was agreed, the amount of aid heading into the enclave has increased.
—Natasha Turak, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
In the wake of the cease-fire, Hamas forces have reasserted their control over much of Gaza, and most of the hostages still remain in the enclave.
—Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
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 27 Jan. 2025.
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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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