: 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
In summer, the Lake Logan Marina rents kayaks, paddleboards, and pedalboats (from $14 an hour) and local outfitter Touch Earth Adventures runs evening kayak excursions in search of the lake’s elusive giant beaver ($100 for three hours).
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 24 Feb. 2025
And once the building is back in shape, the 100 kayaks stuffed into Tunro’s bedrooms at home must be brought back.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2025
Snorkel at Sombrero Reef, kayak within the shady mangrove tunnels of Curry Hammock State Park, or visit the Turtle Hospital to get up close with these ancient sea creatures.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Federal rule requires people, boats, kayaks and paddle boards to stay at least 500 yards away from a right whale.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
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Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 24 Feb. 2025
And once the building is back in shape, the 100 kayaks stuffed into Tunro’s bedrooms at home must be brought back.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2025
Snorkel at Sombrero Reef, kayak within the shady mangrove tunnels of Curry Hammock State Park, or visit the Turtle Hospital to get up close with these ancient sea creatures.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Federal rule requires people, boats, kayaks and paddle boards to stay at least 500 yards away from a right whale.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 1 Mar. 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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