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 city is holding a community kick-off party at 6:30 p.m. Monday with festivities to be held at the Fry Family YMCA, 2120 95th St. Guests can check out police equipment, jump around in a bounce house, play games and enjoy food during the free, family-friendly event. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025

Santee residents can swim for free from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Activity Pool of the Cameron Family YMCA, 10123 Riverwalk Drive. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025

This town offers a $5,000 relocation package, plus a one-year YMCA family membership and $100 in Chamber Bucks. —Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Like the other groups across the country, Jones and her Aurora, Illinois, team received YMCA memberships and lessons on how to use the gym equipment. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 28 July 2025

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