Enclose: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when talking about placing something inside a defined boundary.

• Please enclose your documents in the envelope
• The garden is enclosed by a fence

Use when referring to something on all sides.

• Mountains surround the village
• Police officers surrounded the building

Use when describing something or someone being completely surrounded by something in a circle.

• The soldiers encircled the camp
• A forest encircles the lake

Use when taking in a wide range of elements or areas.

• The term 'arts' encompasses both performing and visual arts
• Their duties encompass several important tasks

Use when referring to holding or having something inside.

• The box contains old photos
• This article contains useful information

Use when something completely covers or surrounds in a way that hides or protects.

• Fog enveloped the city in the early morning
• She was enveloped in a warm blanket

Use this term when you are putting something inside a container, such as a letter inside an envelope.

• Please enclose the payment receipt in the envelope before mailing it

This term is used to indicate that something is part of a set or whole, often giving a sense of completeness.

• Make sure to include all relevant information in your project summary

Use this word when you are physically or digitally connecting one item to another, such as a document to an email.

• I've attached the report to this email

This is the most general term for including something extra, whether it be in written form or physical objects.

• Please add your contact details to the form

This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, particularly in writing or software development, to indicate something being added at the end.

• You can append your signature at the end of the document

Use when referring to surrounding something completely or placing something inside another item. Often used in the context of sending letters or creating boundaries.

• Please enclose the check in the envelope.
• The garden was enclosed by a high wall.

Used to talk about a space that is closed off on all sides, often for animals or to hold something safely. More formal than 'pen' or 'cage'.

• The zoo has a large lion enclosure.
• He found an enclosure at the back of the letter.

Best used to describe a small enclosed area for keeping livestock or smaller animals. More casual and typically used in farming contexts.

• The sheep were kept in a pen overnight.
• They built a new chicken pen in the backyard.

Suitable for talking about confining animals, especially in a wire structure. Often suggests restriction or lack of freedom.

• The birds were kept in a large cage.
• He felt like he was living in a cage.

Appropriate for describing an area that is enclosed, often with multiple buildings or facilities, and sometimes for combining multiple substances. Can imply complexity or security.

• The military compound was heavily guarded.
• They lived in a housing compound outside the city.