: a light narrow boat that has both ends tapered to a point, is propelled by a double-bladed paddle, and often has a closed top except for an opening in which the paddler sits with the legs extended straight out in front:
a
: a traditional boat that is typically associated with the Indigenous peoples (such as the Aleuts and Inuits) of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, is usually made of a frame of wood or bone covered with animal skin, and is used especially for hunting and transport
Similar stone pillars guided Inuit seafarers traveling by umiak or kayak along the complex coasts of their realm.—
Fred Bruemmer
Fred Bruemmer
b
: a boat that is based on the traditional kayak and is typically made of plastic or fiberglass and is used especially for recreational purposes
Today's recreationists likewise have discovered that, among paddle-powered boats, the kayak has no equal for its graceful combination of lightness, portability, seaworthiness and speed.—Peter Stark
Peter StarkExamples of kayak in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From Matagorda Bay Nature Park, rent a kayak (or bring your own) and paddle across the river.
—Pam Leblanc, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026
Explore the waterways on kayaks and paddle boards, and let the kiddos play at the arcade and the new mini-golf course.
—Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
According to the listing, the three-bedroom cottage features nearly 400 feet of private waterways, outdoor activities like kayaks and canoes and an exercise room.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2026
Highlights range from nature journaling and birding for beginners courses to birding by kayak.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Pam Leblanc, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026
Explore the waterways on kayaks and paddle boards, and let the kiddos play at the arcade and the new mini-golf course.
—Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
According to the listing, the three-bedroom cottage features nearly 400 feet of private waterways, outdoor activities like kayaks and canoes and an exercise room.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2026
Highlights range from nature journaling and birding for beginners courses to birding by kayak.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
kayak
noun
kay·ak
ˈkī-ˌak 
1
: a canoe used by various Indigenous peoples of northern North America, Greenland, and eastern Siberia and made of a frame covered with skins except for a small opening in the center
2
: a small canoe resembling a kayak
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