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

Chadwick is a former pastor of Forest Hill, which meets at the Ballantyne YMCA for one of its branches. — Chase Jordan july 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

In 2025, the Surfrider Foundation noted a new lab was established in Imperial Beach thanks to a collaboration between the San Diego Chapter’s BWTF Clean Border Water Now programs and the local YMCA’s Camp Surf. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

Made possible by a $2 million commitment from the Kissler family, the 124-child Kissler Family Early Education Center will double the size of the Y’s current daycare, according to Meagan Ellis, chief development officer for the Treasure Valley YMCA. — Mark Dee july 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

That idea became the first YMCA youth soccer league in the country and, according to the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, a launching pad for the sport’s rise across the United States. — Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 14 July 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