kayak

American  

[kahy-ak] / ˈkaɪ æk /

Also kaiak,

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of kayak

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

Example Sentences

She described Mr Upham as a "very strong swimmer" who had a great love for kayaking and understood the sea should be respected.

From BBC

But that also covers snorkeling expeditions, kayaking excursions along the reef and guided stargazing quests.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is also a private white-sand beach that offers surfing, kayaking, and other water activities.

From MarketWatch

Neither had been wearing a life jacket when their kayak overturned.

From Los Angeles Times

On a kayaking trip in Belize, a tour leader discovered that she couldn’t light her portable cooking stove.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• outrigger