YMCA

abbr. Young Men's Christian Association.

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Young Men's Christian Association.

Also, Y.M.C.A.

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abbrev

Young Men's Christian Association

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Y.M.C.A. or YMCA (no periods),

Young Men's Christian Association (an organization for promoting the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social well-being of young men, founded in London in 1844 by George Williams, 1821-1905).

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n. a welfare movement that began in London in 1844 and now has branches all over the world

■ a hostel or recreational facility run by this association

Origin:

abbreviation of Young Men's Christian Association

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/ˌwaıˌɛmˌsiːˈeı/ noun

the YMCA

: an international organization originally for young men that provides social programs, a place for athletic activities, etc., for the people in a community

He's a member of the YMCA.

We play basketball every weekend at the YMCA. [=at the building owned and operated by the YMCA]

— often used before another noun

a YMCA membership

; called also (US, informal) the Y

◇ YMCA is an abbreviation of “Young Men's Christian Association.”

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YMCA [YMCA] [ˌwaɪ em siː ˈeɪ] [ˌwaɪ em siː ˈeɪ] (also NAmE informal the Y) abbreviation

Young Men's Christian Association (an organization that exists in many countries and provides accommodation and social and sports activities)

•

We stayed at the YMCA.

See also: ↑Y  

Culture:

The YMCA was established in Britain in 1844 and now operates in many countries around the world. It is known especially for its hostels (= places offering cheap food and accommodation).

See also ↑Y

.