enclose

verb

en·​close in-ˈklōz How to pronounce enclose (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly inclose
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One dog tag necklace featuring a jade stone enclosed in 18k gold caught the eye of guests. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025 Although the mountain has been renamed, the national park that encloses it remains the same: Denali National Park and Preserve. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025 In 2008, California significantly strengthened its building code, requiring developers of new homes in high fire-risk areas to use fire-resistant building materials, enclose eaves to stop them from trapping sparks and insert mesh screens over vents to prevent embers from getting into homes. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025 The studio does not have walls yet, but soon construction will begin to remove the carpeting and dropped ceiling, install wood flooring and build walls to enclose the studio. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enclose

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of enclose was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Enclose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclose. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on enclose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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