: 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
One kayak was lost, swirling around in an ocean whirlpool.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Guests can also hop on a kayak tour via Sunny Cove Kayaking to see even more of what these waters have to offer.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
When the beach is at low tide, visitors can explore the large sea cave and tide pools, or hop on a kayak to paddle through coastal kelp beds.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Get all the necessary gear for getting around at Coastal Urge or Riverside Outdoor Recreation, both of which offer bike rentals, plus kayak and paddleboard tours and rentals, as well as beach accessory rentals.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Guests can also hop on a kayak tour via Sunny Cove Kayaking to see even more of what these waters have to offer.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
When the beach is at low tide, visitors can explore the large sea cave and tide pools, or hop on a kayak to paddle through coastal kelp beds.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Get all the necessary gear for getting around at Coastal Urge or Riverside Outdoor Recreation, both of which offer bike rentals, plus kayak and paddleboard tours and rentals, as well as beach accessory rentals.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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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