: 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 presentation said the new Seaquarium would also have shoreline available for free launching kayaks as part of the public baywalk Martin promised to build.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
Book a kayak tour or fishing charter.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025
Beyond lies a private stretch of sand — perfect for launching a kayak or paddleboard at sunrise, or sipping wine as the sun sets over Buzzards Bay.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
For on-the-water action, kayak at Independence Lake Preserve or rent pontoons and paddleboards at Caples Lake, near Kirkwood Resort.
—AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
Book a kayak tour or fishing charter.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025
Beyond lies a private stretch of sand — perfect for launching a kayak or paddleboard at sunrise, or sipping wine as the sun sets over Buzzards Bay.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
For on-the-water action, kayak at Independence Lake Preserve or rent pontoons and paddleboards at Caples Lake, near Kirkwood Resort.
—AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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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