: 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.
Lorde returned to the spotlight in New Zealand this week, appearing at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards in Auckland on Thursday night (May 29), just hours after hosting an intimate, invite-only performance inside a YMCA bathroom. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 May 2025 Kloss and a few of her relatives had reportedly dropped off donations at the O’Fallon Park YMCA in northern St. Louis for victims of the calamity. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 May 2025 The idea grew out of the B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn approaching the nonprofit three years ago about wanting to establish a franchise, Henning said. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025 As Anthony battles self-doubt and the long road of rehabilitation, a chance encounter at a YMCA on Christmas Eve brings him face-to-face with Bobby Verdun, a former basketball coach turned mentor who carries emotional and physical scars of his own. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 May 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 5 Jun. 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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