: 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
Home to a youth hostel and folk museum, Glencoe is mostly a destination for outdoorspeople looking to kayak, mountain climb, go trekking, or pitch tents.
—Timothy Latterner, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026
Take advantage of the bountiful year-round sunshine to explore the Colorado River by kayak.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
Book a suite or villa with a plunge pool for true vacation vibes, then enjoy time at the resort’s private beach, where complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear help guests enjoy the water.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Hourly and daily rentals include pontoons, fishing boats, ski boats, kayaks and other water toys.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Timothy Latterner, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026
Take advantage of the bountiful year-round sunshine to explore the Colorado River by kayak.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
Book a suite or villa with a plunge pool for true vacation vibes, then enjoy time at the resort’s private beach, where complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear help guests enjoy the water.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Hourly and daily rentals include pontoons, fishing boats, ski boats, kayaks and other water toys.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 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 Feb. 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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