enclosed

American  

[en-klohzd] / ɛnˈkloʊzd /

adjective

1. inserted in the same envelope or package.

   Complete the enclosed contribution form and mail with your check or credit card information to the address below.

2. surrounded or shut in on all sides.

   The dogs like to hang out in the enclosed section outside the kennels.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of enclose.

Other Word Forms

• self-enclosed adjective
• unenclosed adjective

Etymology

Origin of enclosed

enclose ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

Things that are enclosed are surrounded on all sides, closed or penned in. If your grandfather's condo development is enclosed by a high fence, you might need to check in with a guard before you can visit him. Your pet guinea pig is enclosed by her cage, and when you're at school, you are enclosed by the walls of the building. Homes, car lots, gardens, and school yards are all commonly enclosed by fences. If you put a check inside your cousin's birthday card, the money is also enclosed. Enclosed comes from the verb enclose, which is rooted in the Old French enclore, "surround, confine, or contain."

Example Sentences

We lived in a two-story duplex built in 1899, where I enjoyed sitting on our enclosed porch watching thunderstorms and the leaves change on trees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Exactly 20 years ago, Scotland became the first part of the UK to ban smoking in enclosed public places - including pubs, restaurants and workplaces.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Freud is depicted on a chair and enclosed with an abstract black-lined box that could be interpreted as a mental cage of sorts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

At that time, communities were building enclosed settlements and returning to Bronze Age settlement mounds and parts of large fortified sites.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

It was an enclosed arena with limited avenues of escape.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• confined