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 campus will house resources from the Crossroads YMCA, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and Methodist Hospital. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

After restructuring followed the Covid pandemic that battered non-profits across the nation, the 173-year-old Greater Hartford YMCA is fully back on its feet and preparing for a new leader — Jim O'Rourke — to direct it in the years ahead. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025

Check out your local state park website or YMCA to find kid-friendly pools near you. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025

Since 2013, more than 25,000 people have taken part in Swim for Jenny at the YMCA and more than 100,000 swim lessons have been provided. —Anna Nguyen, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 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