Caique
/kaɪk/noun
A small, narrow boat traditionally used in the eastern Mediterranean and, especially, on the Bosporus.
Did you know?The English word came through French from Turkish, reflecting the Ottoman Empire’s maritime influence around the Bosporus and eastern Mediterranean.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
καΐκι (kaïki)
“A small boat or fishing vessel; the precise earlier origin is uncertain.”
Ottoman Turkish
Turkish
kayık
“A small boat, especially a light rowing vessel.”
17th Century
French
caïque
“A small boat used in the Levant and around Constantinople.”
18th Century
Italian
caicco
“A small eastern Mediterranean or Turkish boat.”
18th Century
English
caique
“A small boat used chiefly in the eastern Mediterranean and on the Bosporus.”
Modern English
English
caique
“A traditional narrow boat associated particularly with Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean.”