A clubhouse is a building or special space that belongs to a group of people who share something in common. Baseball teams have clubhouses where players change into their uniforms, store equipment, and gather before and after games. Golf courses have clubhouses where members relax, eat meals, and prepare for their rounds.

Kids sometimes build their own clubhouses: a treehouse in the backyard, a fort made from blankets and chairs, or a hidden spot in the woods where friends meet. These clubhouses become headquarters for adventures, places to tell stories, or just somewhere that feels like it belongs to you and your friends.

The word suggests a physical space that also represents membership and belonging. When you're in the clubhouse, you're part of the group. Professional sports teams often talk about keeping problems “in the clubhouse,” meaning they handle issues privately among themselves rather than complaining in public. A good clubhouse has a feeling of camaraderie, where everyone supports each other and shares a common purpose or interest.