A kite, a lightweight flying object attached to a string.

Origin: The word 'עפיפון' (afifon) comes from the Hebrew root ע-פ-פ (a-p-p), which relates to flying or fluttering. The suffix '-ון' (-on) is a diminutive, often used to indicate smallness or endearment. Historical and Cultural Context: The first known use of 'עפיפון' in Hebrew dates back to biblical times, where kites were likely used for both recreational purposes and practical applications like signaling. Evolution: Over time, the word maintained its original meaning, with few changes. It shares cognates with other Semitic languages that describe similar flying objects. Modern Relevance: Today, 'עפיפון' is commonly used in Hebrew to describe kites, particularly in children's games and festivals.

In ancient times, kites were not only toys but also used for military purposes such as signaling and measuring distances.