: 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
Visitors should be cautious about going into a sea cave without a guide, as a swell can flow into it and dramatically raise the water level in a matter of seconds, pushing kayaks into rocks and leaving little air for those trapped inside.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2026
At Newport Sea Base, campers can kayak, paddleboard, sail, fish, and participate in marine science labs.
—Gqlshare, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
For kayaks and stand-up paddle boarding, visit Nootka Kayak on Playa de las Anquines, an artificial beach that offers great conditions for both.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
There’s no public boat access and the rental is stocked with kayaks and paddle boards for guests, as well as noodles for leisurely afternoon floats.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2026
At Newport Sea Base, campers can kayak, paddleboard, sail, fish, and participate in marine science labs.
—Gqlshare, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
For kayaks and stand-up paddle boarding, visit Nootka Kayak on Playa de las Anquines, an artificial beach that offers great conditions for both.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
There’s no public boat access and the rental is stocked with kayaks and paddle boards for guests, as well as noodles for leisurely afternoon floats.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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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