kayak

noun

kay·ak | \ ˈkī-ˌak

Definition of kayak

: 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

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

Other Words from kayak Example Sentences Learn More about kayak

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Other Words from kayak

kayak intransitive verb

kayaker \ ˈkī-ˌa-kər

\ noun

kayaking \ ˈkī-a-kiŋ

\ noun

Examples of kayak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Your friend isn’t using their sea kayak this weekend? — Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, "6 Tips for Making Outdoorsy Activities More Affordable," 20 Oct. 2018 Albany resident Mark Lund, 38, was kayaking on Lake Blackshear on Saturday afternoon when his kayak overturned. — Fleming Smith, ajc, "Body of missing South Georgia kayaker recovered after 2-day search," 11 June 2018 Guests can borrow bikes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, as well as lanterns and flashlights after dark. — Elaine Glusac, New York Times, "Glamping Slips Into the Mainstream," 15 June 2018 Book a three-night stay and head out each day to scope bald eagles in the rainforest, tour native villages, or launch kayaks and paddleboards into the fjords to spy on orcas. — Tim Neville, Outside Online, "The Definitive Guide to Visiting the Pacific Northwest," 24 May 2018 Work your feet on a pedal boat or your arms on a kayak. — Sarah Bahr, Indianapolis Star, "Ultimate Indiana bucket list: 50+ things to do in Indianapolis and around the state," 11 July 2018 In that earlier incident, the report said, Dickinson was trying to use his hands to paddle a kayak to shore. — Pete O’cain, The Seattle Times, "Snohomish County deputy prosecutor arrested on alcohol-related charge," 2 July 2018 The body of the owner of this kayak, found floating at the mouth of the Connecticut River, was found Tuesday. — Christine Dempsey, courant.com, "Body Of Missing Old Saybrook Kayaker Recovered From Long Island Sound," 5 June 2018 John and several other kids rushed over, each dragging a kayak into the slow-moving water. — Laura Ungar, The Courier-Journal, "How do Kentucky communities keep kids off drugs? They UNITE," 24 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kayak.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.