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

Beyond these glitzy designs, Williams also created several affordable housing projects, the 28th Street YMCA in South LA, and the First AME Church in West Adams. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

The signature fundraising event for its annual campaign, this event plays a vital role in supporting the Duneland Family YMCA’s mission. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

The company also built a childcare center for employees in partnership with the YMCA, and is planning to spend $75 million on workforce, education and community development across the state over the next decade. — Cj Haddad,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Sundberg was taken by MedFlight to Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday in critical condition after a large tree came crashing down at YMCA Camp Chickami, causing what firefighters described as a domino effect. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 20 Aug. 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