: 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
Their minivan was parked out front, along with the trailer Ryan had used to take his kayak to the lake.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Guests can access kayaks and canoes during their stay, and connect with other guests during Bonfire & S’mores on Friday nights.
—Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Relax by the pool or firepits, rent a kayak and grab brunch at its onsite eatery, Pique Nique.
—Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
Or check out the birthplace of the Inca Empire in Puno and kayak in the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca.
—Ally Jaksen, Outside, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Guests can access kayaks and canoes during their stay, and connect with other guests during Bonfire & S’mores on Friday nights.
—Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Relax by the pool or firepits, rent a kayak and grab brunch at its onsite eatery, Pique Nique.
—Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
Or check out the birthplace of the Inca Empire in Puno and kayak in the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca.
—Ally Jaksen, Outside, 4 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 7 Nov. 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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