kayak

noun

kay·​ak ˈkī-ˌak How to pronounce kayak (audio)
: 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 noun
kayaking noun

Examples of kayak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If temperatures are higher, pack a picnic and linger in Meadow Park, which has a nice stretch of beach, or rent a kayak or paddleboard from a marina kiosk to get out on the water. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024 These clever kayaks fold up like origami, packing down to the size of a small suitcase. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024 Anyone interested in fishing will need a valid license, while kayaks and paddleboats are available for rent. Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024 Get the full resort experience by enjoying Biologique Recherche spa treatments, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards to explore the coastline and marine life, and fine dining with a menu that ranges from caviar to local, tropical delicacies. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for kayak 

Word History

Etymology

Inuit qayaq

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kayak was in 1757

Dictionary Entries Near kayak

Cite this Entry

“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

kayak

noun
kay·​ak ˈkī-ˌak How to pronounce kayak (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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