: 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
That kayak was missing when the truck was found near Cape Point in Buxton, park officials said.
—Mark Price
january 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
Jet Ski, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, and sailboat rentals are also available nearby.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2026
Rent kayaks and explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore via the winding Crystal River, or attempt the 284-foot Dune Climb.
—Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 25 Jan. 2026
Each resort offers all-suite accommodations and its own freshwater pool, fitness center, beach and pool loungers, and complimentary water sports including kayaks and standup paddleboards.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mark Price
january 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
Jet Ski, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, and sailboat rentals are also available nearby.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2026
Rent kayaks and explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore via the winding Crystal River, or attempt the 284-foot Dune Climb.
—Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 25 Jan. 2026
Each resort offers all-suite accommodations and its own freshwater pool, fitness center, beach and pool loungers, and complimentary water sports including kayaks and standup paddleboards.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 24 Jan. 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 1 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
