A kite is a flying tethered object that depends upon the tension of a tethering system. The incumbent on drive that makes the kite wing fly is generated when draft (or in some essentials water ) flows over and under the kite's wing, producing crouched pressure above the wing and flying pressure below it. This deflection also generates horizontal drag along the leadership of the wind. The resultant force vector from the transport and drag coercion components is opposed by the tension of the individually or more lines Wind Spinners or tethers. The anchor dot of the kite line may be static or moving (e.g., the towing of a kite by a running person, boat, or vehicle ).

Ancient and medieval Chinese sources list other uses of kites for measuring distances, testing the wind, lifting men, signaling, and communication for military operations. The earliest noted Chinese kites were empty (not bowed) and often rectangular. Later, tailless kites incorporated a stabilizing bowline. Kites were decorated with mythological motifs and legendary figures; some were fitted with strings and whistles to make musical song while flying.