kayak

noun

kay·​ak ˈkī-ˌak 

: 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

kayak intransitive verb

kayaker

ˈkī-ˌa-kər 

noun

kayaking

ˈkī-ˌa-kiŋ 

noun

Examples of kayak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed to feel lived-in, the property includes multiple dining concepts, a relaxed rooftop bar, a coffee shop, a casual walk-up poutine window, and the Gear Garage, which provides rentals like kayaks and Polaroid cameras. — Rafael Pena, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026

Lounge on the private beach or play sand volleyball, and cruise the lake in complimentary kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026

The property has a small, rocky beach across the street on the bay, complete with kayaks and paddle boards, and a private dock that’s great for swimming. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

The appeal lies in easy rituals—the kayak pulled from beneath the deck, the line cast before breakfast, children diving from the dock. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Inuit qayaq

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kayak

• dayak
• nayak

Kids 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