Kiteflying

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The recreational activity of controlling and flying a kite in the air
2. Engaging in the pastime of launching and maneuvering a kite using wind currents
3. The sport or hobby involving directing a tethered lightweight kite as it flies outdoors

Etymology: Kiteflying is about as transparent as compounds get: it is simply "kite" followed by "flying," with no sound change, borrowing or hidden history. The kite itself is the older, more interesting piece. The word "kite" is an old name for the bird of prey, and the toy was named after it, presumably for its soaring shape in the sky. The combined form tells you the pastime was defined by its central gesture: holding a line and letting the wind carry something aloft. The verb is built from "fly" with the "-ing" ending that turns an action into a pastime. Put together, "kiteflying" names an activity rather than a single event, which is why it works as both a verb and, in its noun-like use, a name for the hobby itself.