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

To maximize results, the brand has also developed an entire line based on rosemary, enclosed in a convenient kit featuring a detangling brush (for the scalp massage); plus, a scrub and a shampoo, to best purify the scalp and restore it to a normal condition, for visibly stronger and shinier hair. —Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025

An identical elliptical roof extends from the edge of the original building to greet visitors, enclose security measures and welcome guests into the Shedd. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025

It’s also understood that the distinct shape enclosing the birds and the tree were designed to create a personal emblem. —Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025

The wood fence enclosing the yard is new, and a detached garage has a workshop and holds one car. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025

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)

Rhymes for enclose

• aloes
• arose
• bedclothes
• bestows
• boroughs
• buboes
• cargoes
• cocos
• compose
• crossbows
• demos
• depose

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