enclosure
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
an area of land that is surrounded by a fence, wall, or other barrier.
an area of land or space that is physically demarcated and surrounded by barriers.
Simple“The zoo built a large enclosure for the lions to roam in safely.”
In context“The horses were kept in a secure enclosure at the edge of the property to prevent them from wandering onto the main road.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
something put inside an envelope along with a letter.
a document or item inserted into a letter or package alongside the primary correspondence.
Simple“Please check the enclosure for a copy of the signed contract.”
In context“The solicitor noted the enclosure of the original deed in the cover letter, advising the client to confirm its receipt immediately.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the act of putting a fence or wall around a piece of land.
the process or act of surrounding a space with a barrier to restrict access or define boundaries.
Simple“The enclosure of the garden took several days of hard work.”
In context“The rapid enclosure of the construction site was necessary to ensure public safety before the heavy machinery arrived.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
a private part of a monastery or convent where only the monks or nuns can go.
the restricted area of a religious house, such as a convent or monastery, where access is limited to members of the community.
Simple“Visitors are not allowed to enter the inner enclosure of the abbey.”
In context“The rule of enclosure within the Carmelite order dictates that sisters remain within the designated bounds of the convent to maintain a life of prayer.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
the historical process in England of turning common land into private farms.
the historical process of consolidating small landholdings and common land into larger, privately owned farms.
Simple“The enclosure movement changed how people lived in the countryside.”
In context“Parliamentary enclosure in the eighteenth century led to significant social upheaval as rural labourers lost their traditional rights to graze livestock on common land.”
“The fire moved rapidly from 1km away to within 100 metres of the perimeter within days, prompting staff to relocate the 60 resident orangutans to enclosures in the middle of the centre.”
“Total enclosure size is 62 mm wide, 32 mm tall, and 55 mm deep so it's quite small overall.”
From Middle English enclosure, from Old French enclosure, from enclore, from Latin inclūdere, inclūdō, from in- (“in”) + claudō (“to shut”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kleh₂u- (“key, hook, nail”). Alike to inclusion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.