kayak

[ kahy-ak ]

noun

1. a traditional Inuit or Yupik canoe with a skin cover on a light framework, made watertight by flexible closure around the waist of the occupant and propelled with a double-bladed paddle.
2. a small boat resembling this, made commercially of a variety of materials and used in sports.

verb (used without object)

1. to go or travel by kayak.

verb (used with object)

1. to travel on by kayak:

   to kayak the Colorado River.

kayak

/ ˈkaɪæk /

noun

1. a small light canoe-like boat used by the Inuit, consisting of a light frame covered with watertight animal skins
2. a fibreglass or canvas-covered canoe of similar design

Other Words From

• kay·ak·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kayak¹

First recorded in 1750–60, kayak is from the Inuit word qayaq

Word History and Origins

Origin of kayak¹

C18: from Inuktitut (Greenland dialect)

Example Sentences

His biggest fear was being stung by a stingray while fighting the current as he was dragging his kayak over rapids.

From BBC

He also had to carry his deflated kayak through the jungle, watching out for tarantulas, snakes and scorpions, which was "very draining", Ash said.

From BBC

The banks were muddy and they couldn't find anywhere to sleep, so they tied themselves to a tree, trying to sleep in their kayak before being woken by mosquitoes.

From BBC

Locals who like to surf and kayak tend to hit Silver Strand.

From Los Angeles Times

Henshaw, 37, won her second gold medal in as many days during the KL2 women’s 200m kayak singles, with Emma Wiggs taking the silver medal.

From BBC

Related Words

• outrigger