voler

Senses

1. 1.

   to fly

   to move through the air with wings; to travel by air

2. 2.

   to steal

   to take something that does not belong to you without permission

Examples

• "Les oiseaux volent vers le sud en hiver."

  The birds fly south in winter.

• "On lui a volé son portefeuille dans le métro."

  Someone stole his wallet on the subway.

• "L'avion vole à 10 000 mètres d'altitude."

  The plane is flying at 10,000 meters altitude.

Usage

Voler has two distinct meanings with no etymological connection. Context makes the meaning clear: "voler dans le ciel" (fly in the sky) versus "voler de l'argent" (steal money). Both are common in everyday French.