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enclave

American  
[en-kleyv, ahn-] / ˈɛn kleɪv, ˈɑn- /

noun

  1. a country, or especially, an outlying portion of a country, entirely or mostly surrounded by the territory of another country.

  2. any small, distinct area or group enclosed or isolated within a larger one.

    a Chinese-speaking enclave in London.


verb (used with object)

enclaved, enclaving
  1. to isolate or enclose (especially territory) within a foreign or uncongenial environment; make an enclave of.

    The desert enclaved the little settlement.

enclave British  
/ ˈɛnkleɪv /

noun

  1. a part of a country entirely surrounded by foreign territory: viewed from the position of the surrounding territories Compare exclave

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of enclave

1865–70; < French, Middle French, noun derivative of enclaver < Vulgar Latin *inclāvāre to lock in, equivalent to Latin in- in- 2 + clāv ( is ) key + -āre infinitive suffix

Compare meaning

How does enclave compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her husband said his lowest moment in Egypt came when rumors spread that those who left the enclave could never return.

From Los Angeles Times

Saying the seaside enclave’s “entire character” was changed by the Palisades fire, the city is seeking damages for the loss of property, business and city revenue.

From Los Angeles Times

Countries involved in the board plan to pledge billions of dollars to rebuild the enclave, with funding allocated for reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, and standing up an international security force to oversee a lasting peace deal.

From The Wall Street Journal

It takes in the affluent enclaves of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley and — where the urban sprawl finally yields to cactus, palo verde and other flora — Carefree and the Old West-themed Cave Creek.

From Los Angeles Times

Conversations about Culver City — the vibrant enclave on Los Angeles’ Westside often called “the Heart of Screenland” — usually include phrases such as “walkable” and “green spaces” and “Erewhon.”

From Los Angeles Times