: 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
With cozy cabins, 10 landscaped RV sites, a full-service pub, live music on weekends, nearby airboat tours, and kayak and paddle board rentals, The Cove has quietly built a devoted following over the years.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
For a more serene and up-close experience, explore the fjord by kayak or canoe.
—Bonjour Québec, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025
Swim, sail, and kayak at lakes like Crescent Lake and Ozette Lake, and follow the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail to see cascades like the Sol Duc Waterfalls or the remote Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls.
—Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
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Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
For a more serene and up-close experience, explore the fjord by kayak or canoe.
—Bonjour Québec, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025
Swim, sail, and kayak at lakes like Crescent Lake and Ozette Lake, and follow the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail to see cascades like the Sol Duc Waterfalls or the remote Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls.
—Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 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 7 May. 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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