: 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
Enjoy the rest of the summer on the water with this 2-in-1 package that includes an inflatable paddle board that converts to a kayak in seconds.
—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
6 July 2026
Get on the water or the trail Longer daylight hours make early-morning hikes, sunset kayak trips, and stand-up paddle board sessions realistic on a weeknight.
—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
There are kayaks, paddleboards, water trikes, and snorkels to take out.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 July 2026
Exploring the area by kayak is a fairly inexpensive yet effective way to spend your time on the coast.
—
Josh Laskin,
Travel + Leisure,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
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Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
6 July 2026
Get on the water or the trail Longer daylight hours make early-morning hikes, sunset kayak trips, and stand-up paddle board sessions realistic on a weeknight.
—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
There are kayaks, paddleboards, water trikes, and snorkels to take out.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 July 2026
Exploring the area by kayak is a fairly inexpensive yet effective way to spend your time on the coast.
—
Josh Laskin,
Travel + Leisure,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for kayak
Cite this Entry
“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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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