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

The team was also filmed in the locker room after the game, dancing to YMCA. — Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2026

Several of these stations can be found in local libraries and YMCA locations. — Nico Berlin, Oklahoman, 7 July 2026

This includes two beaches in Salem on Children's Island where a YMCA camp is going on. — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Maki also serves as a youth football coach with both the YMCA and the Catholic Youth Organization in his spare time. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 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