kayak

noun

kay·​ak ˈkī-ˌak How to pronounce kayak (audio)
: 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
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
kayak intransitive verb
kayaker noun
kayaking noun

Examples of kayak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For one glorious month, people could bring their canoes and kayaks to paddle in the shallow waters that had collected in the saltwater flats of the Badwater Basin, a sight not seen since the lake last appeared in 2005. Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Hop on a kayak or paddle board to glide through the mangroves with Lazy Dog Adventures in Key West, founded by dog lover Sue Cooper, who brings her Border Collies to work. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 The grounds don’t disappoint with two separate docks where new owners can park their boats and enjoy the water via kayak or paddleboard. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 Also planned is a 38-slip marina where RV enthusiasts will be able to rent kayaks and jet skis. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Take to the water with kayak or paddle board rentals from Yellowfin Ocean Sports, and the more adventurous can hit the waves in the spring and summer with Austin Magee's Surf School. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024 With its cockpit full of water, the boat was extremely heavy, so the crew pulled the kayak’s drain plug and towed it all the way back to the boat ramp where the kayaker had launched from. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 22 Feb. 2024 Anyone can boat, sail, kayak, jet ski, electric boat, stand-up paddle to our dock must contact the Westpoint Marina for slip space) and arrive to Hurrica by water. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The plant can be found throughout the state park, which is only accessible by boat or kayak. Emma Janssen, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kayak.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Inuit qayaq

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kayak was in 1757

Dictionary Entries Near kayak

Cite this Entry

“Kayak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kayak. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kayak

noun
kay·​ak ˈkī-ˌak How to pronounce kayak (audio)
1
: an Eskimo canoe made of a frame covered with skins except for a small opening in the center
2
: a small canvas-covered canoe resembling a kayak
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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