: 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.
Ultimately, Edwards decided against going to law school and took a job at a YMCA on Chicago’s West Side. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025 Major gyms and services like SoulCycle, YMCA, LA Fitness, CorePower Yoga, and Solidcore are all part of its growing network. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 July 2025 At one intersection less than half a mile away, at 11th and State streets by the downtown Boise YMCA, four people were also hit by cars and a 79-year-old was killed in 2023. Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2025 Katelyn Williams, 18, grabbed her walkie-talkie, told YMCA front-desk staffers to call 911, jumped off the lifeguard stand and ran into the locker room where Billy Austin, 64, lay crumpled in a bathroom stall. Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 21 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“YMCA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/YMCA. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

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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