: 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
As Adrián paddled through the frigid waters, the massive whale surfaced unexpectedly, engulfing both him and his yellow kayak.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
As Simancas was paddling in what appeared to be an inflatable kayak, a humpback whale rolled on the surface with its mouth open, swallowing the kayaker.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025
Beyond its shores lies an outdoor lover’s paradise, perfect for reeling in a great catch or paddling down the serene waters of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge by kayak, with a cold pint from Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewery as the winning cap to a day well spent.
—AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
The kayak fisherman was identified as Matthew John Patrick Wells by a Fox Weather report.
—David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for kayak 
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
As Simancas was paddling in what appeared to be an inflatable kayak, a humpback whale rolled on the surface with its mouth open, swallowing the kayaker.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025
Beyond its shores lies an outdoor lover’s paradise, perfect for reeling in a great catch or paddling down the serene waters of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge by kayak, with a cold pint from Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewery as the winning cap to a day well spent.
—AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
The kayak fisherman was identified as Matthew John Patrick Wells by a Fox Weather report.
—David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for kayak
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Dictionary Entries Near kayak
Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 21 Feb. 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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