kayak

/ˈkaɪˌæk/noun

A small, narrow boat with a closed deck and an opening for the paddler, who sits inside and moves it with a paddle that has a blade at each end.

Example sentences

“We rented a kayak and paddled along the coastline all afternoon.”
“The kayak tipped over, and we both fell into the cold lake.”

The word is a palindrome, spelled the same backward. It came into English from Inuit languages.

Often confused with kayak

kayak vs canoe: canoe (noun): A light, narrow boat that one or more people move through the water using paddles with a single blade.

Related words

yachtA sleek, lightweight boat used for pleasure cruising or racing, fitted with sails though frequently driven by an engine.sailboatA boat that moves through the water using a sail and the wind.gondolaA long, narrow boat with raised ends, moved along with a single oar, and traditionally used on the canals of Venice.anchorA heavy device lowered from a ship to grip the bottom of the water and keep the vessel from drifting.shuttleA bus, train, or other vehicle that travels regularly back and forth between fixed points.wharfA structure built along a shore or riverbank where ships can dock and load or unload.