YWCA
noun
ˌwī-ˌdə-bəl-yu̇-(ˌ)sē-ˈā 
-ˌdə-bə-yu̇-
: an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare originally of young women
—usually used with the
a member of the YWCA
—sometimes shortened informally to the Y
Examples of YWCA in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Just last month, YWCA NorthEastern NY broke ground on a $50 million project to upgrade 35 existing units and build 54 new ones.
—
Cordell Cleare, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Items available at the event include formal attire, jewelry donated by Claire’s, purses, shoes and makeup, according to a YWCA Elgin website.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
It's meant to expedite families' placement in a living shelter like Bethany House or YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, Beach said.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Feb. 2026
North Shore Bank announced a partnership with the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, along with a move from its home across the street and into the organization's first floor to help increase access to banking and financial education services.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 18 Feb. 2026
As dusk settles over Minneapolis, something unexpected appears on the side of the YWCA building.
—Derek James, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
By the time Souders and Jennie moved into the nearby YWCA, Anderson was managing the Dunbar for its owner, a local attorney who, perhaps by coincidence, worked frequently with the woman who employed and lived with Souders’ aunts Margaret and Douvia on Washington Boulevard.
—Elijah Winkler, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
Angela Beatty, vice president of programs and engagement at YWCA Oklahoma City, said survivors who have just experienced violence often present in ways that are easily misunderstood by law enforcement and courts.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Jan. 2026
Shea serves on the board of the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership and has held board positions with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and YWCA Minneapolis.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 21 Oct. 2025
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Cordell Cleare, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Items available at the event include formal attire, jewelry donated by Claire’s, purses, shoes and makeup, according to a YWCA Elgin website.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
It's meant to expedite families' placement in a living shelter like Bethany House or YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, Beach said.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Feb. 2026
North Shore Bank announced a partnership with the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, along with a move from its home across the street and into the organization's first floor to help increase access to banking and financial education services.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 18 Feb. 2026
As dusk settles over Minneapolis, something unexpected appears on the side of the YWCA building.
—Derek James, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
By the time Souders and Jennie moved into the nearby YWCA, Anderson was managing the Dunbar for its owner, a local attorney who, perhaps by coincidence, worked frequently with the woman who employed and lived with Souders’ aunts Margaret and Douvia on Washington Boulevard.
—Elijah Winkler, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
Angela Beatty, vice president of programs and engagement at YWCA Oklahoma City, said survivors who have just experienced violence often present in ways that are easily misunderstood by law enforcement and courts.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Jan. 2026
Shea serves on the board of the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership and has held board positions with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and YWCA Minneapolis.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“YWCA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/YWCA. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
YWCA
noun
: an international organization that promotes the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare originally of young Christian women
Etymology
Young Women's Christian Association
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