enclose

verb

en·​close in-ˈklōz How to pronounce enclose (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly inclose
in-ˈklōz How to pronounce enclose (audio)
enclosed also inclosed; enclosing also inclosing; encloses also incloses
Synonyms of enclosenext

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

Synonyms of enclose

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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.
These included depictions of erotic nudes within a signature frame drawn in reds, yellows, and oranges, as though enclosed or trapped. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The attack is not so much a matter of precision as enclosing an area—hopefully a space that the fly is within when her jaws slap shut. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 Check brining liquid periodically with a probe-style thermometer ; if temperature is above 40°, add a few freezer packs enclosed in resealable plastic bags. — Alton Brown, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 The larger ring also improves sensitivity because optical gyroscopes can detect smaller rotations when the light encloses a greater area. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for enclose

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Browse Nearby Words

encloister
enclose
enclosed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enclose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enclose. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
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