YWCA

abbr. Young Women's Christian Association.

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Young Women's Christian Association.

Also, Y.W.C.A.

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abbrev

Young Women's Christian Association

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Y.W.C.A. or YWCA (no periods),

Young Women's Christian Association (an organization for young women, originated in England in 1855 simultaneously in two different bodies, united in 1877).

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n. a welfare movement with branches in many countries that began in Britain in 1855

■ a hostel or recreational facility run by this association

Origin:

abbreviation of Young Women's Christian Association

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/ˌwaıˌdʌbəljuˌsiːˈeı/ noun

the YWCA

: an international organization that provides social programs, a place for athletic activities, etc., for the people and especially the women in a community

She's a member of the YWCA.

The meeting will be held at the YWCA. [=at the building owned and operated by the YWCA]

— often used before another noun

a YWCA membership

; called also (US, informal) the Y

◇ YWCA is an abbreviation of “Young Women's Christian Association.”

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YWCA [YWCA] [ˌwaɪ dʌbljuː siː ˈeɪ] [ˌwaɪ dʌbljuː siː ˈeɪ] (also NAmE informal the Y) abbreviation

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

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members of the YWCA

See also: ↑Y  

Culture:

The YWCA is similar to but separate from the ↑YMCA. Its main role used to be providing safe and cheap accommodation for young women living away from home, but in Britain and the US this has now mostly been replaced by a service giving support and advice to girls and young women who are experiencing problems. It was established in Britain in 1855 and now operates in many countries around the world.