kayak

noun

kay·ak | \ ˈkī-ˌak

Definition of kayak

: 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

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

Other Words from kayak Example Sentences Learn More about kayak

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Other Words from kayak

kayak intransitive verb

kayaker \ ˈkī-ˌa-kər

\ noun

kayaking \ ˈkī-ˌa-kiŋ

\ noun

Examples of kayak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Draw Moves your kayak laterally without changing direction. — Jon Turk, Popular Mechanics, "How To Get Started in Kayaking," 27 Apr. 2021 Likewise, in the kayak-rowing portion, Leroy and Nany end up flipping over their boat, which feels so emblematic of their Challenge careers. — Kyndall Cunningham, Vulture, "The Challenge: Double Agents Season-Finale Recap: Win Some, Lose Some," 22 Apr. 2021 Eventually, Leroy and Nany flip their kayak but get back in. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "The Challenge: Double Agents finale recap: A big decision results in a new champion," 22 Apr. 2021 Last week, as Cyril Derreumaux navigated his kayak beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny afternoon, a humpback whale breached beside his boat, spraying him with salty mist. — Gregory Thomas, San Francisco Chronicle, "Marin kayaker to embark on epic solo paddle from S.F. to Hawaii," 22 Apr. 2021 Carry your kayak 50 feet from the parking lot to the river. — John Pana, cleveland, "7 adventures at Cuyahoga Valley National Park (video)," 19 Apr. 2021 And don’t be surprised if a jumping mullet (also glowing bright blue) occasionally goes kerplunk into your kayak. — Sarah Sekula, USA TODAY, "Cool ways to get out on the water this spring: Bioluminescent kayak tours in Florida, fliteboarding in Hawaii," 29 Mar. 2021 While video appears to show the whale had the kayak in its mouth, McSorley claimed they were just overturned and thrown underwater. — Fox News, "Humpback whale almost swallows 2 kayakers off California coast," 3 Nov. 2020 Now Edgewater's a place where tourists come to pick our apples, buy our ceramics, and kayak on our lake. — Seija Rankin, EW.com, "First Look: See Jessica Goodman's next YA page-turner They'll Never Catch Us," 16 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kayak.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.