: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Auburn Avenue, the Butler Street YMCA hosted the Hungry Club, a forum where prominent Black leaders met regularly to discuss political, social, and economic issues. Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 His placement would be at an offsite location just for children in special education; at the YMCA, Jacob learned alongside classmates both with and without disabilities. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026 The city says the project will be done in two phases, city officials said, in which more than 2,000 new units will be added, along with a YMCA, veterans park and more. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026 Parked outside the Charlotte Dowd YMCA, Antoine Turner reached into the backseat of his Chevrolet Camaro, past his five-year-old daughter and toward a Nike shoebox. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for YMCA

Word History

Etymology

Young Men's Christian Association

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of YMCA was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“YMCA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/YMCA. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

Young Men's Christian Association

More from Merriam-Webster on YMCA

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