kayak

noun

kay·​ak ˈkī-ˌak 

: 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

kayak intransitive verb

kayaker

ˈkī-ˌa-kər 

noun

kayaking

ˈkī-ˌa-kiŋ 

noun

Examples of kayak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From expedition leaders who have climbed all seven of the world’s highest peaks to kayak guides who have recreated Ernest Shackleton’s historic journey to Antarctica, Seabourn’s crew are arguably some of the world’s most interesting. —Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2024

The hotel makes this easy by providing guests with boating equipment, from kayaks to canoes to paddle boards to motor boats to pontoons, all free to take out for a spin on your own. —Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2024

One friend helped him from her kayak, another snapped their photo. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 11 Apr. 2024

View the reefs from above the water on a glass bottom boat or kayak tour. —Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

Rent a boat or kayak and head out to Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, a 300-acre island accessible only via boat (ferry service is also available on select days through Robbie's Marina. —Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2024

Friends swam to the car while another paddled out with a kayak, according to the report. —Christopher Weber, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024

Alas, no more boating in Death Valley — the water collected in Badwater Basin is too shallow to support kayaks and canoes, per The Times’ Jireh Deng. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024

And, of course, the beach offers easy access for kayaks, paddleboards, swimming, and boating. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Inuit qayaq

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kayak

noun

kay·​ak ˈkī-ˌak 

1

: an Eskimo canoe made of a frame covered with skins except for a small opening in the center

2

: a small canvas-covered canoe resembling a kayak