: 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
The kayak was found beached just before searchers recovered Scribben’s body, Shepperd said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
At breakfast and lunch, naturalists stop in to plot the day’s excursions—from fishing trips to kayak tours to birding outings—based on the group’s interests.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
The siding has blown off the front of the house, and Johnson said the winds blew a kayak inside.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Along with Sharon Lake and its accompanying trail reopening, the Sharon Lake Improvement Project has added new boardwalks over the water at the park, as well as fishing piers, a floating kayak launch and double the amount of wetlands.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
At breakfast and lunch, naturalists stop in to plot the day’s excursions—from fishing trips to kayak tours to birding outings—based on the group’s interests.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
The siding has blown off the front of the house, and Johnson said the winds blew a kayak inside.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Along with Sharon Lake and its accompanying trail reopening, the Sharon Lake Improvement Project has added new boardwalks over the water at the park, as well as fishing piers, a floating kayak launch and double the amount of wetlands.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 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 18 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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