kayak

Also kai·ak,

[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 Word Forms

• kayaker 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

Black film scout Striker takes an Antarctic cruise that winds up with passengers stranded on an island following a kayaking expedition.

From Los Angeles Times

Although Untamed Spirits specializes in women’s sports of all kinds — even the more niche ones like kayaking, Janie says — the bar also shows men’s sports.

From Los Angeles Times

Each summer, thousands of people boat, kayak or float on inner tubes on the river, which boasts whitewater areas as well as trout and salmon fisheries.

From BBC

Since they’re right by the river, in between church services, they also learn how to kayak and fish for bass.

From Salon

The part of the river that is affected by the plant’s diversions is one of various sections of the Kern that are popular for rafting and kayaking.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• outrigger