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

Mia Overstreet, 18, and Melissa Par, 32, received Courage Awards during a ceremony Wednesday hosted by the Rotary Club of Westchester at the Westchester YMCA. — City News Service, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Following the shooting, officers were seen investigating inside the Lawson House, a former YMCA that provides supportive housing to the unhoused. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Crowley previously worked for organizations like Safe & Sound, the YMCA Community Development Center, COA Youth and Family Services and Urban Underground. — Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Proceeds go to benefit at-risk children and families by giving them the chance to participate in programs and activities at the Fowler YMCA. — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 11 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