enclosure movement

Pronunciation

Noun B2 Upper-intermediate

The historical process, especially in Britain, of fencing off previously shared farmland into privately owned plots.

"The enclosure movement pushed many small farmers off land their families had used for generations."

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The _____ pushed many small farmers off land their families had used for generations."

Answer: enclosure movement

In your own words, what does "enclosure movement" mean?

The historical process, especially in Britain, of fencing off previously shared farmland into privately owned plots.