verb
B1
Intermediate
enclose
ihn-KLOHZ
Enclose (verb) means to surround an area with a wall, fence, or other barrier. Example: “They enclosed the garden with a low picket fence.”
verb
1
To surround an area with a wall, fence, or other barrier.
"They enclosed the garden with a low picket fence."
"The creative commons of the internet has been gradually and inexorably enclosed, much as agricultural land was by parliamentary acts from 1600 onwards in England."
— John Naughton, The internet is in decline – it needs rewilding (2024)
2
To put something inside an envelope or package along with the main contents.
"Please enclose a stamped return envelope with your application."
How to use enclose
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo surround with a barrier, or to put something inside a letter or parcel.
Common pairings
enclose a cheque
enclosed by a fence
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- encloses
- Past tense
- enclosed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They _____ the garden with a low picket fence.
Etymology
From Old French enclore, ultimately from Latin includere ("to shut in"), from in- + claudere ("to shut"); related to "include."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for enclose
See all rhymes for enclose →Frequently asked questions
What does “enclose” mean?
The word “enclose” means to surround an area with a wall, fence, or other barrier. In plain terms, to surround with a barrier, or to put something inside a letter or parcel.
How do you pronounce “enclose”?
“Enclose” is pronounced ihn-KLOHZ (/ɪnˈkloʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “enclose” in a sentence?
Here is “enclose” used in a sentence: “They enclosed the garden with a low picket fence.”
What part of speech is “enclose”?
“Enclose” is a verb.
Where does the word “enclose” come from?
The word “enclose” comes from Latin. From Old French enclore, ultimately from Latin includere ("to shut in"), from in- + claudere ("to shut"); related to "include.".
How many meanings does “enclose” have?
“Enclose” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to surround an area with a wall, fence, or other barrier.
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