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

Clark’s current and past philanthropic and board service includes Children’s Hospital Minnesota Foundation, Special Olympics 2026 USA Games, YMCA of the North, Guthrie Theater Foundation, UnitedHealth Foundation, Minnesota Children’s Museum, and Positive Coaching Alliance. —Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026

Because many of these newcomers had no family or money to rely on, a YMCA needed to be built to meet their needs. —Ernest Crim Iii, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026

The old Chesterton Middle School building is now being transformed into the YMCA’s Healthy Living Campus. —Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026

Both the South Milwaukee and Cudahy school boards voted unanimously to dissolve a cooperative agreement formed to explore the potential purchase of the former YMCA in Cudahy. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 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