YMCA

noun

ˌwī-ˌem-(ˌ)sē-ˈā 

: an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare originally of young men

—usually used with the

a member of the YMCA

—sometimes shortened informally to the Y

Examples of YMCA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a segment expected to last a few minutes, ABC News reporter Will Ganss will preview this weekend’s YMCA Famous Idaho Potato Marathon & Fun Runs. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026

The folks at the YMCA of Metro Denver believe that drowning deaths are completely preventable. —Libby Smith, CBS News, 13 May 2026

Because Morali, a foreigner, experienced the gayest YMCA in the universe, the Y represented American LGBTQ liberation to him. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026

Dodd petitioned local churches, the YMCA and shopkeepers to observe Father's Day – a Mother's Day counterpart that would celebrate dads. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Young Men's Christian Association

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

YMCA

noun

ˌwī-ˌem-(ˌ)sē-ˈā 

: an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare originally of young Christian men

Etymology

Young Men's Christian Association