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

Two south shore school districts are collaborating to potentially purchase the former YMCA building in Cudahy. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 15 Dec. 2025

The Arkansas Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) established a camp on the eastern end of the mountain in 1920. —Arkansas Online, 13 Dec. 2025

During his years in France, Rideout used his work to further the YMCA’s mission of fostering healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. —Time, 9 Dec. 2025

That’s why organizations like FriendshipWorks and the YMCA of Greater Boston are working together to make connection a citywide priority. —Kyle Robidoux, Boston Herald, 6 Dec. 2025

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