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

Both the twins were active beforehand, going hiking and kayaking, but Nicole now says that even getting her shopping in from the car can leave her breathless.

From BBC

We kayaked to our beach “venue” with our laptop, rings and champagne rolled up in waterproof bags.

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers are now building prototype lighting strips to test on surfboards and kayaks.

From BBC

The website for Kingstree depicts idyllic images of small-town life, with white people sitting on a porch swing, kayaking on a river, eating ice cream, and strolling with their dogs.

From Salon

Out at the born-again lake, Coyote the junk dealer has contributed three kayaks and a canoe for anyone who feels like paddling.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• outrigger