: 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
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and get out on the local paddle trails.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025
One of the best ways to explore Bradenton’s bounty of natural treasures is on the water via kayak.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025
In summer, guests even have access to the lake and can borrow the cabin’s kayaks for a day out on the water.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 25 Nov. 2025
Joe had the best line of all nine rafts and five kayaks, Marzulla said.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025
One of the best ways to explore Bradenton’s bounty of natural treasures is on the water via kayak.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025
In summer, guests even have access to the lake and can borrow the cabin’s kayaks for a day out on the water.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 25 Nov. 2025
Joe had the best line of all nine rafts and five kayaks, Marzulla said.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 24 Nov. 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 5 Dec. 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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