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
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
The couple moved to Chicago’s South Side, and Smith worked at a South Side YWCA, at the University of Chicago and as a secretary to Ald.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Several dozen of the local YWCA associations around the country have followed suit.
—Ellis Simani, ProPublica, 17 Dec. 2025
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
The safe sleep lot will offer 12 parking spots to families living out of their vehicles as a way to expedite their move to a family living shelter like Bethany House or YWCA of Greater Cincinnati.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
The single mother had been working part-time at the YWCA while finishing her degree in human development, with hopes of becoming a social worker.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
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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
The couple moved to Chicago’s South Side, and Smith worked at a South Side YWCA, at the University of Chicago and as a secretary to Ald.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Several dozen of the local YWCA associations around the country have followed suit.
—Ellis Simani, ProPublica, 17 Dec. 2025
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
The safe sleep lot will offer 12 parking spots to families living out of their vehicles as a way to expedite their move to a family living shelter like Bethany House or YWCA of Greater Cincinnati.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
The single mother had been working part-time at the YWCA while finishing her degree in human development, with hopes of becoming a social worker.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“YWCA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/YWCA. Accessed 17 Feb. 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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