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's one of the reasons Mackenzie's parents enrolled her in Swim Buddies, the YMCA of South Florida's low-cost program aimed at children with disabilities. — Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 1 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

Maria Cortes, program director for the YMCA, said organizers spent months discussing how to support students whose schools are closing. — Shivali H. Patra, Mercury News, 29 June 2026

Recipients include a local YMCA and athletic center, churches, schools and human services organizations. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 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