: 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
If temperatures are higher, pack a picnic and linger in Meadow Park, which has a nice stretch of beach, or rent a kayak or paddleboard from a marina kiosk to get out on the water.
—Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
These clever kayaks fold up like origami, packing down to the size of a small suitcase.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
Anyone interested in fishing will need a valid license, while kayaks and paddleboats are available for rent.
—Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
Get the full resort experience by enjoying Biologique Recherche spa treatments, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards to explore the coastline and marine life, and fine dining with a menu that ranges from caviar to local, tropical delicacies.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
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Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
These clever kayaks fold up like origami, packing down to the size of a small suitcase.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
Anyone interested in fishing will need a valid license, while kayaks and paddleboats are available for rent.
—Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
Get the full resort experience by enjoying Biologique Recherche spa treatments, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards to explore the coastline and marine life, and fine dining with a menu that ranges from caviar to local, tropical delicacies.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
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 22 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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