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

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

Although the crash happened near the YMCA camp, no campers or camp staff were involved, officials said in the statement. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

On Sunday, as protesters headed to the YMCA, the YMCA said its Board of Directors had carefully evaluated the unsolicited sale offer before approving the purchase and sale agreement. — Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026

In 1874, the Young Women’s Christian Association hosted its first summer camp in New Jersey, with other youth organizations such as the YMCA, the Boys Club and 4-H, a federal youth development program, following suit. — Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 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