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 district is partnering with community organizations, including the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs, to encourage more participation. — Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

The spa Done up in shimmering marble mosaics, the hotel’s petite subterranean spa takes its cues from the Turkish baths at London’s Royal Automobile Club and the original YMCA in New York. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

That summer, the Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars, an all-Black team from Charleston, South Carolina, entered the state tournament, and all hell broke loose. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026

By 2024, the YMCA’s annual revenue was $74 million, more than 25% below pre-pandemic levels. — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026

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