: 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
There will be little temptation to venture away from the comforts of the resort’s idyllic and famously still beach, unless by boat, kayak, or bike to explore the surrounding archipelago’s dramatic cliffs, caves, and paths.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
And visitors from all over the country go to take canoe trips and kayak trips down the Rio Grande.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
For relaxation, rent a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak to explore.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Local eateries like the waterfront Pier 290 and in-town Oakfire Pizza offer tasty respites after paddling the lake; kayaks and SUP are equally popular these days.
—Katy Spratte Joyce, Midwest Living, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
And visitors from all over the country go to take canoe trips and kayak trips down the Rio Grande.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
For relaxation, rent a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak to explore.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Local eateries like the waterfront Pier 290 and in-town Oakfire Pizza offer tasty respites after paddling the lake; kayaks and SUP are equally popular these days.
—Katy Spratte Joyce, Midwest Living, 31 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 7 Apr. 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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