clubby

[ kluhb-ee ]

adjective

, club·bi·er, club·bi·est.

1. characteristic of a club:

   The room had a warm, clubby atmosphere.

2. very friendly; intimate; chummy:

   He became clubby with the bartender, who slipped him many free drinks.

3. socially exclusive; cliquish:

   Their group is very clubby and unfriendly.

4. inclined to join clubs.

clubby

/ ˈklʌbɪ /

adjective

1. sociable, esp effusively so
2. exclusive or cliquish

Derived Forms

• ˈclubbily, adverb

Other Words From

• clubbi·ly adverb
• clubbi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clubby¹

First recorded in 1855–60; club + -y ¹

Example Sentences

That cheeky term encapsulates the clubby jubilance of her biggest pop hits, but “Radical Optimism,” with its psychedelic electro-pop, complicates it.

From Seattle Times

It conveys a cliquey, clubby feeling that does not suggest openness to those who voice alternative views.

From Seattle Times

Many of Tractiv's challenges are typical of an early-stage company as well as a consequence of risks it took, such as trying to break into a clubby industry outside its area of expertise.

From Reuters

Also, it was once considered a violation of the clubby Senate code to go too hard against a fellow incumbent.

From New York Times

I had this idea of making a sort of cool, clubby record that all my friends liked but probably wouldn’t sell s—.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affable
• affectionate
• amiable
• amicable
• attentive
• beneficial
• chummy
• cordial
• familiar
• favorable
• good
• helpful
• loving
• loyal
• neighborly
• peaceful
• receptive
• sympathetic
• welcoming