club
UK[klʌb]US[klʌb]
n
A group of people who meet regularly for a shared activity or interest.
n
A heavy stick, thicker at one end, used as a weapon.
n
A place where people go to dance, drink, and listen to music.
v
To hit someone or something with a heavy object.
v
To combine with others for a common purpose.
Etymology
The word 'club' entered English from the Old Norse 'klubba', meaning a cudgel or a heavy stick. This Norse term is likely onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of a heavy blow. The original sense of a blunt weapon naturally evolved to denote the group of people who might wield such weapons together, and later, by the 17th century, to any association of people united for a common purpose. The modern sense of a night-time entertainment venue developed from these social association meanings in the 19th century.
Analysis
The word 'club' is a simplex word of Old Norse origin. It does not contain separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
He joined the local chess club to improve his game.
In the cartoon, the caveman is often depicted carrying a large club.
They decided to club together to buy a gift for their teacher.