inclusive

adjective

in·​clu·​sive in-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce inclusive (audio)
-ziv
1
a
: broad in orientation or scope
The traditional system groups organisms … and places them in a hierarchy of ever more inclusive categories …Elizabeth Pennisi
He wanted more inclusive histories that told the lives of all humankind, not just an elite few.Brook Thomas
b
: covering or intended to cover all items, costs, or services
Le Sport features inclusive packages with a single rate covering spa treatments, accommodations, all meals, drinks, water sports, and tennis.Ian Keown
see also all-inclusive
2
: including everyone
especially : allowing and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new push for accessibility has galvanized a disability rights movement in a country with a notably poor record on inclusive infrastructure. Rama Lakshmi
Research from the Center for Talent Innovation shows that allies—people who support LGBT colleagues or work as advocates—play a decisive role in creating an inclusive community where individuals are comfortable being themselves. Sylvia Ann Hewlett
3
: of or relating to education in which students with disabilities are included with the general student population
Supporters of so-called "inclusive education" say that letting students with and without severe disabilities learn side-by-side helps to undo the stigma associated with special education.Associated Press
There are three inclusive classrooms, where kids who do not need special education services learn alongside students with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, learning delays or other disabilities. The students are taught the same curriculum, and the special education students generally receive services, such as occupational therapy, inside the classroom instead of being pulled out.Erin Duffy
4
: including the stated limits or extremes
used postpositively
from Monday to Friday inclusive
I expect to be at the island and visitable there … on the following dates: May 28-31 inclusiveAlexander Woollcott
inclusively adverb
She waved her hand inclusively toward the various rooms. Theodore Dreiser
… as part of our new digital experience, we're launching an online community built expressly and inclusively for all members. Joseph J. Fifer
inclusiveness noun
… in the effort to achieve more fairness and inclusiveness in selecting the nominee, the reforms jettisoned many of the old underpinnings of the party. John C. Culver

Examples of inclusive in a Sentence

a butterfly expert with an inclusive knowledge of his subject
Recent Examples on the Web Their commitment to inclusive storytelling and their skill at leading our entire creative team has been inspiring for everyone. Caroline Brew, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024 Although a first for Cupertino, inclusive playgrounds have been popping up in Santa Clara County, including the Magical Bridge Playgrounds in Palo Alto and Sunnyvale, and the Rotary PlayGarden in San Jose. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 And Joe Biden has a vision for the future of an inclusive economy that grows the middle class and ensures things like home ownership within the African American community can continue to grow. CBS News, 10 Mar. 2024 Fast forward a decade, the Microsoft executive is now a mom to daughter Margot, 22 months, and has learned to use her feet to care for both herself and her daughter, all while working at the forefront of the world of inclusive design. Georgia Slater, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 What can gatekeepers do to make the wine industry more inclusive for people of color? Noël Burgess, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Despite efforts to make the genre more inclusive, the western remains haunted by the twin maladies of colonialism and white supremacy. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 To expand wine consumption among diverse young adults (21+) in the US, implement inclusive marketing, leverage social media and influencers, host interactive events, and maintain accessible pricing. Noël Burgess, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Inclusivity in country, other music genres Country music has long been criticized for not being the most inclusive genre. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inclusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of inclusive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inclusive

Cite this Entry

“Inclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inclusive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inclusive

adjective
in·​clu·​sive in-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce inclusive (audio)
-ziv
1
: including the stated limits and everything in between
pages 10 to 20 inclusive
2
: covering everything or all important points
an inclusive tour
an inclusive insurance policy
inclusively adverb
inclusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inclusive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!