What does kayak mean?
A kayak is a light, narrow boat with a seat and a double-bladed paddle, traditionally designed for use in rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and icy northern environments. Its enclosed or partially enclosed deck can protect the paddler from splashing and cold, while the low profile makes it relatively maneuverable. The related verb means to travel or propel oneself in a kayak, as in “They kayaked across the bay before lunch.” Kayaking is now both a recreational activity and a form of expedition travel, particularly in places with extensive waterways or sea-kayak routes. The term is also used technically to distinguish a double-bladed paddle boat from a canoe, which is normally propelled with a single-bladed paddle. Although “canoe” remains common in British English for general paddling, “kayak” is especially frequent in North American English and in modern outdoor and sporting contexts.
A narrow, lightweight boat propelled with a double-bladed paddle and traditionally used for travel over water or through ice.
"We launched the kayak from the quiet beach."
The term is particularly common in North American English; British speakers may use canoe more generally for the same or a similar craft.
To travel or move in a kayak.
"They kayaked along the sheltered inlet."
The usual inflected forms are kayaked and kayaking.
The standard plural is kayaks.
"The guide pointed out several kayaks moored near the shore."
The word kayak comes from an Inuit word for a lightweight boat and entered English through German after European explorers encountered the distinctive craft in the Arctic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kayak come from?
The English word was borrowed from German Kajak. German, in turn, took the term from an Inuit language, where qajaq denoted a lightweight boat. The name reflects the craft’s traditional use in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, and English usage expanded considerably during the 20th century as kayaking became a popular recreational and expedition sport.
Related word forms
How kayak is actually used
In British English, the vessel is often called a canoe and the activity canoeing, although kayak and kayaking are also common. In North American English, kayak is especially associated with paddling on water and with specialized techniques for navigating currents, rapids, or ice.
Easily confused with kayak
A kayak is propelled with a double-bladed paddle, while a canoe is generally propelled with a single-bladed paddle, although the two vessels otherwise overlap in purpose and construction.