ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kayak

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈkaɪæk// UK //kˈaɪæk// kayak

n. a small, narrow boat for one or two people that you move using a paddle with a blade at both ends.

n. a light, narrow watercraft propelled by a double-bladed paddle, typically featuring a covered deck and a small cockpit.


SIMPLE

We rented a kayak to explore the lake.

CONTEXTUAL

The guide helped us launch each kayak into the river before we started our trip downstream.

COMPLEX

Experienced paddlers often prefer a sea kayak for coastal expeditions because its longer hull provides better stability and speed in choppy open waters.

Origin

Borrowed from Inuktitut ᖃᔭᖅ (qayaq, “hunter's boat”) (Inuvialuktun), from Proto-Eskimo *qayaʁ. Compare Greenlandic qajaq and Yup'ik qayaq.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'paddle', 'launch', or 'rent'.

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