rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryenclaveDistinct area or community
noun

enclave

EN-klayv/ˈenkleɪv/

A distinct area or community surrounded by a larger one.

The red-roofed village forms an enclave surrounded by farmland and blue-roofed towns.

Aerial village with distinct red roofs completely surrounded by neighboring green farmland and blue-roof towns.
Etymology
enLatinin, into
+claveLatinkey

The pieces evoke locking something in with a key. The resulting sense of enclosure underlies an enclave: a distinct area or group surrounded by another.

In context

Town of Amherst, MA172:59
… moved to the this little Enclave of interlocking dead end streets it was a diverse neighborhood …
Planning Board Jan 18, 2023

More examples

  • The mountain village forms a Spanish-speaking enclave in a French-speaking region.
  • The country has two enclaves entirely surrounded by its neighbor.
  • Artists turn the old warehouse district into a creative enclave.

Forms

enclave · enclaves

Similar words

pocket
Emphasizes a small, localized area with a particular quality.
island
Suggests isolation from surroundings, often figuratively rather than geographically.