clube

Clube is a noun in Portuguese used to describe a formal association of people united by shared interests, or the building and facilities used by such an association. In everyday use, "clube" commonly refers to a membership-based organization that offers social, cultural, or athletic activities and a place for members to meet. The term is a loanword from English "club" and is standard in the language across Portugal and Brazil, with the plural "clubes".

Most clubes operate under a statute and by-laws, usually governed by a board of directors, with members paying dues. Activities vary from sports and recreation to arts, culture, and networking. Some clubs function as private members-only venues; others are nonprofit associations open to the broader public.

Common types include desportivo, social, cultural, estudantil, and empresarial clubs. In sports, many teams use "Clube" in their official names, such as football clubs that field teams in regional and national competitions.

In legal and social contexts, "clube" is often contrasted with "associação" and "sociedade". While both terms denote organized groups, "clube" emphasizes leisure, social life, and regular activities, whereas "associação" is a broader term that can apply to groups formed for various purposes and may have different legal forms.