: 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
Guests can swim, take complimentary kayaks along the coast, or book private boat charters to explore the surrounding waters.
—Carrie Coolidge, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Chaidez's dog was with him at the time his kayak flipped over, according to witnesses.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals are available to explore any of the still water within or near the park, including Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
Rent kayaks, paddleboards or pontoon boats onsite to access the best secluded spots.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Carrie Coolidge, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Chaidez's dog was with him at the time his kayak flipped over, according to witnesses.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals are available to explore any of the still water within or near the park, including Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
Rent kayaks, paddleboards or pontoon boats onsite to access the best secluded spots.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 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 8 Jul. 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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