# enclosure

/ɛnˈkɫoʊʒɝ/ (US) · /ɛnklˈəʊʒɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enclosure
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. fenced area

noun · CEFR B2

an area of land that is surrounded by a fence, wall, or other barrier.

For teachers: an area of land or space that is physically demarcated and surrounded by barriers.

- The zoo built a large enclosure for the lions to roam in safely.
- The horses were kept in a secure enclosure at the edge of the property to prevent them from wandering onto the main road.

### 2. letter attachment

noun · CEFR B2

something put inside an envelope along with a letter.

For teachers: a document or item inserted into a letter or package alongside the primary correspondence.

- Please check the enclosure for a copy of the signed contract.
- The solicitor noted the enclosure of the original deed in the cover letter, advising the client to confirm its receipt immediately.

### 3. act of surrounding

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of putting a fence or wall around a piece of land.

For teachers: the process or act of surrounding a space with a barrier to restrict access or define boundaries.

- The enclosure of the garden took several days of hard work.
- The rapid enclosure of the construction site was necessary to ensure public safety before the heavy machinery arrived.

### 4. religious area

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a private part of a monastery or convent where only the monks or nuns can go.

For teachers: the restricted area of a religious house, such as a convent or monastery, where access is limited to members of the community.

- Visitors are not allowed to enter the inner enclosure of the abbey.
- 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.

### 5. historical land reform

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the historical process in England of turning common land into private farms.

For teachers: the historical process of consolidating small landholdings and common land into larger, privately owned farms.

- The enclosure movement changed how people lived in the countryside.
- Parliamentary enclosure in the eighteenth century led to significant social upheaval as rural labourers lost their traditional rights to graze livestock on common land.

## Examples

- The lions live in a large enclosure at the zoo.
- Please check the enclosure at the bottom of the letter for the signed contract.
- The archaeological team discovered a stone enclosure that likely served as a communal gathering space for the ancient settlement's inhabitants.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.