: 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
However, two people may have actually been out in the kayak, Arnum told USA TODAY on Wednesday evening.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
After stashing an e-bike near the boat lodge, Ryan paddled his kayak and a child-sized inflatable boat out into the lake and overturned the kayak, the sheriff said.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Additional activities include coconut leaf weaving, coconut husking, guided kayak tours, ukulele lessons, hula lessons, daily fitness classes, and more.
—Geoff Whitmore, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Oru Kayak: Early deals on kayaks, paddles, and more gear from Oru Kayak is here: Save up to 50 percent off sitewide now.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kayak 
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Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
After stashing an e-bike near the boat lodge, Ryan paddled his kayak and a child-sized inflatable boat out into the lake and overturned the kayak, the sheriff said.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Additional activities include coconut leaf weaving, coconut husking, guided kayak tours, ukulele lessons, hula lessons, daily fitness classes, and more.
—Geoff Whitmore, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Oru Kayak: Early deals on kayaks, paddles, and more gear from Oru Kayak is here: Save up to 50 percent off sitewide now.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kayak
Articles Related to kayak
Dictionary Entries Near kayak
Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 30 Dec. 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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