: 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
Cruising in Croatia Active-travel specialist Butterfield & Robinson offers weeklong trips aboard the Agape Rose, a 12-cabin yacht loaded with e-bikes and kayaks, with departures from Dubrovnik or Split that visit the Kornati Islands, a national park.
—Jennifer Billock, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025
Amenities include an on-site spa, multiple pools, private dock access, pickleball courts, kayak rentals, and six different food and beverage options.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
Madison is a family-friendly Midwest vacation destination with lakes, parks, and attractions like the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Tropical Rainforest Aviary, kayak tours on Lake Mendota, and Vitense Golfland's mini golf and climbing gym.
—Jean Chen Smith, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Accessible only by a scenic hike or kayak, this pristine spot offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
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Jennifer Billock, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025
Amenities include an on-site spa, multiple pools, private dock access, pickleball courts, kayak rentals, and six different food and beverage options.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
Madison is a family-friendly Midwest vacation destination with lakes, parks, and attractions like the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Tropical Rainforest Aviary, kayak tours on Lake Mendota, and Vitense Golfland's mini golf and climbing gym.
—Jean Chen Smith, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Accessible only by a scenic hike or kayak, this pristine spot offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
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 24 Jan. 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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