Definition
To give something to someone, or to provide or offer something.
Example
Elle donne un livre à son ami chaque année.
Show translation
She gives a book to her friend every year.
Etymology
From Latin *donare* ("to give as a gift"), derived from *donum* ("gift"), itself from the Proto-Indo-European root *deh₃-* ("to give"). The same root gives English "donate" and "donation," and Spanish *dar*.
Cultural note
*Donner* is one of the most versatile verbs in French — it appears in dozens of fixed expressions. *Donner rendez-vous* means "to arrange to meet someone," *donner raison à quelqu'un* means "to agree someone is right," and *ça donne faim* means "it makes you hungry." Don't confuse it with the German word *Donner* (thunder) — a classic false friend across languages!