: 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 and a cell phone have since been recovered.
—Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 28 Sep. 2024
Just some of the debris washed up on land in coastal Pinellas: chunks of broken docks, multiple speedboats and kayaks, a chlorine jug, a drum barrel, dozens of plastic spoons, and a yellow pool noodle.
—Kathryn Varn, Axios, 27 Sep. 2024
Available now through December 22, guests can look forward to 45 percent off of round-trip seaplane transfers, complimentary stays and meals for two children below 12 years of age at the six restaurants on site, and complimentary usage of snorkeling equipment and kayaks during the stay.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024
Passengers will spend seven days cruising aboard Star Pride, which offers signature Windstar amenities such as a BBQ feast and a watersports platform with complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kayak 
Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 28 Sep. 2024
Just some of the debris washed up on land in coastal Pinellas: chunks of broken docks, multiple speedboats and kayaks, a chlorine jug, a drum barrel, dozens of plastic spoons, and a yellow pool noodle.
—Kathryn Varn, Axios, 27 Sep. 2024
Available now through December 22, guests can look forward to 45 percent off of round-trip seaplane transfers, complimentary stays and meals for two children below 12 years of age at the six restaurants on site, and complimentary usage of snorkeling equipment and kayaks during the stay.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024
Passengers will spend seven days cruising aboard Star Pride, which offers signature Windstar amenities such as a BBQ feast and a watersports platform with complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kayak
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kayak.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
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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