: 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
Book a kayak tour from Bayfield (or head out on your own) and float into dark coastal caves, among dots of forest, or even inland to the rivers and sloughs.
—Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025
The trailer begins with footage of Theron in a kayak and rock climbing without a harness before encountering Egerton's character.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 May 2025
The two women had fallen out of their kayaks into the river near the 800 block of North Bennett Street, the news release said.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Starting from Salmon Run boat launch, kayak or stand-up paddle a mile to Pirate’s Cove for its signature waterfall that pours into the lake.
—Outside Online, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025
The trailer begins with footage of Theron in a kayak and rock climbing without a harness before encountering Egerton's character.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 May 2025
The two women had fallen out of their kayaks into the river near the 800 block of North Bennett Street, the news release said.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Starting from Salmon Run boat launch, kayak or stand-up paddle a mile to Pirate’s Cove for its signature waterfall that pours into the lake.
—Outside Online, 12 May 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 28 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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