First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1kite
noun \ˈkīt\
: a toy that is made of a light frame covered with cloth, paper, or plastic and that is flown in the air at the end of a long string
: a type of hawk that has long, narrow wings
Full Definition of KITE
1
: any of various usually small hawks (family Accipitridae) with long narrow wings and often a notched or forked tail
2
: a person who preys on others
3
: a light frame covered with paper, cloth, or plastic, often provided with a stabilizing tail, and designed to be flown in the air at the end of a long string
4
: a check drawn against uncollected funds in a bank account or fraudulently raised before cashing
5
: a light sail used in a light breeze usually in addition to the regular working sails; especially : spinnaker
— kite·like adjective
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Origin of KITE
Middle English, from Old English cȳta; akin to Middle High German kūze owl
Related to KITE
2kite
verb
kit·edkit·ing
Definition of KITE
transitive verb
1
: to use (a bad check) to get credit or money
2
: to cause to soar <kited the prices they charged wealthy clients>
intransitive verb
1
a : to go in a rapid, carefree, or flighty manner b : to rise rapidly : soar
2
: to get money or credit by a kite
— kit·er noun
First Known Use of KITE
1839
KITE Defined for Kids
kite
noun \ˈkīt\
Definition of KITE for Kids
1
: a toy that consists of a light covered frame for flying in the air at the end of a long string
2
: a small hawk with long narrow wings and deeply forked tail that feeds mostly on insects and small reptiles
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