What does enclose mean?
To enclose is to surround or confine something on all sides, whether physically — as when a wall encloses a garden or packaging encloses an object — or figuratively, as when a document is enclosed within an envelope. The verb derives from Old French 'enclos', built on Latin 'claudere', meaning to close, making it a linguistic cousin of words like 'include', 'exclude', and 'conclude'. It carries a connotation of completeness: whatever is enclosed is fully contained, cut off, or sealed off from its surroundings. The word appears frequently in both practical and formal registers, from architecture ('an enclosed courtyard') to business letters ('please enclose payment'), and it also has precise technical uses, notably in geometry, where one figure may be said to enclose another. Its derived noun, 'enclosure', extends these ideas into fields as varied as land history, engineering, and postal communication.
To surround something completely with a barrier or boundary; to shut in.
"A wooden fence encloses the entire property."
Often used in passive constructions: 'the garden is enclosed by hedges'.
To place something inside an envelope, parcel, or letter together with other items.
"We have enclosed the invoice for your records."
Every time you say 'enclose', you're echoing the Latin word for 'to close' — the same root that gave us 'closet', 'clause', and even 'recluse'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enclose
'Enclose' entered English in the late Middle English period through Old French 'enclos', the past participle of 'enclore', itself from Latin 'includere', formed from 'in-' (in) and 'claudere' (to close). This makes it a doublet-like relative of 'include', which came more directly from the same Latin verb, and connects it to a wider family including 'exclude', 'conclude', 'clause', 'closet', and 'recluse'. An alternative spelling, 'inclose', persisted into modern times but is now largely confined to legal usage.
Related word forms
How enclose is actually used
'Enclose' is neutral to slightly formal in register; it is especially common in business correspondence ('I enclose the signed contract') where it competes with the more formal 'enclosed please find', often criticised as stuffy. In everyday speech, 'put in' or 'include' are more common alternatives.
Easily confused with enclose
'Inclose' is an older spelling variant of 'enclose' meaning the same thing; it survives mainly in legal contexts, while 'enclose' is the standard modern spelling.