private club
Invitation-required social venue
A private club is an organization that restricts membership and access, typically requiring application, sponsorship, or payment of dues.
Country clubs, gentlemen's clubs, and fraternal organizations operate as private clubs.
The designation often allows exemption from laws governing public accommodations: The private club claimed it could legally exclude women from membership.
Some establishments use "private club" status to circumvent liquor laws or anti-discrimination regulations.
- clubhouseMembers-only gathering place
- loungeComfortable waiting room
- exclusivityState of being limited
- bylawsOrganization's internal regulations
- blackballExclude by negative vote
social register · prestige · dues · networking · fraternity · dress-code · black tie · initiation · etiquette · inner circle · membership · VIP · secret society · Mar-a-Lago · velvet rope · elite · gatekeeping · tradition
- exclusive venuesgated community, velvet rope, VIP room, VIP lounge, champagne room
- golfgolf, golf clubs, golf ball, golf balls, golf course
- accessaccess, authorization, credentials, exclusive access, insider access
- Exclusivityexclusive, elite, VIP, members-only, restricted
- high societygossip, socialites, socialite, aristocrats, aristocrat
- venuesarena, auditorium, stadium, performing arts center, theater
private clubcommunity center
Shared neighborhood gathering space
public house · public park · public bar · town hall · public library