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

Advertisement The city has also opened a center to help people who were affected or displaced by the collapse; the center is located at the Flatbush YMCA at 1401 Flatbush Avenue. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 12 Nov. 2026

Officials said that in a single visit, veterans either housed or unhoused can get help with benefits, groceries, a path to YMCA membership, a peer group and a way to serve their community. — Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

As the night drew on, a family raced out of the YMCA with a baby in tow and ran to an awaiting Uber. — Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

Village leaders are considering a new indoor/outdoor venue at the site of the former Leaning Tower YMCA. — Elizabeth Owens-Schiele, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 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