: 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
Community amenities would include a clubhouse, riverside gazebos, and kayak and canoe storage.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
For outdoor adventures, rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon to spend the day on Grand Traverse Bay.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
The cleanup takes place via kayak, paddleboard or on the shoreline.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Soon, the Fort Street Bridge Interpretive Park will feature new amenities, including a boardwalk and Detroit's only kayak access point to the Lower Rouge River Water Trail.
—Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
For outdoor adventures, rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon to spend the day on Grand Traverse Bay.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
The cleanup takes place via kayak, paddleboard or on the shoreline.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Soon, the Fort Street Bridge Interpretive Park will feature new amenities, including a boardwalk and Detroit's only kayak access point to the Lower Rouge River Water Trail.
—Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 23 Apr. 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 May. 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
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