: 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
Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard and make your way through the park’s 50 miles of mangrove wilderness.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025
Guests enjoy 100 feet of lakeshore (including a private dock with use of canoe, kayak, and fishing poles), plus an outdoor deck with a grill for atmospheric barbecues.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 May 2025
There are several access points for boats and kayaks.
—Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025
Guests enjoy 100 feet of lakeshore (including a private dock with use of canoe, kayak, and fishing poles), plus an outdoor deck with a grill for atmospheric barbecues.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 May 2025
There are several access points for boats and kayaks.
—Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 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 20 May. 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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