enclose

verb

en·​close in-ˈklōz 

en-

variants or less commonly inclose

in-ˈklōz 

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

Synonyms

• box (in)
• cage
• closet
• coop (up)
• corral
• encage
• encase
• envelop
• fence (in)
• hedge
• hem (in)
• house
• immure
• include
• mew (up)
• pen
• wall (in)

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

The conservative values still run deep in Livingston County, where rural farmland encloses its few urban areas. —Sonja Krohn and Siddhi Choubey, Detroit Free Press, 1 Nov. 2024

The theory is supported by recent efforts to uncover the identity of our most recent prokaryotic ancestor — the ancient cell that first enclosed a bacterium, resulting in the eukaryotic cell type. —Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024

Another essential part of a cell is the membrane that encloses it. —Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

Some examples include building community structures in parks that incorporate garage-door-style windows that fully enclose the space in case of rain or cold, or altering policies to allow (safe, controlled) outdoor firepits in appropriate situations. —Marissa Conrad, Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024

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)

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