smuggled; smuggling
ˈsmə-g(ə-)liŋ 
1
: to import or export secretly contrary to the law and especially without paying duties imposed by law
2
: to convey or introduce surreptitiously
: to import or export something in violation of the customs laws
Examples of smuggle in a Sentence
He was arrested for smuggling drugs into the country.
They smuggled immigrants across the border.
The paintings had been smuggled out of the country before the war.
We smuggled his favorite sandwich past the nurse.
Recent Examples on the Web
At times, people also rely on kolbars to smuggle themselves across the border.
—
ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
Data shows a similar drop in overdose deaths in Canada, where fentanyl supplies are usually produced from Chinese chemicals inside the country rather than smuggled in.
—Kaitlin Coward, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
The 56-year-old Chinese national, Stanley Yi Zheng, allegedly began conspiring with Americans Matthew Kelly and Tommy Shad English about smuggling the chips to China in May 2023.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
The facility was allegedly operated by a Chinese national involved in smuggling counterfeit COVID tests while receiving millions in unexplained payments from China.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
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ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
Data shows a similar drop in overdose deaths in Canada, where fentanyl supplies are usually produced from Chinese chemicals inside the country rather than smuggled in.
—Kaitlin Coward, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
The 56-year-old Chinese national, Stanley Yi Zheng, allegedly began conspiring with Americans Matthew Kelly and Tommy Shad English about smuggling the chips to China in May 2023.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
The facility was allegedly operated by a Chinese national involved in smuggling counterfeit COVID tests while receiving millions in unexplained payments from China.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
Cite this Entry
“Smuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smuggle. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
smuggle
verb
smug·gle
ˈsmə-gəl
smuggled; smuggling
: to import or export secretly and illegally especially to avoid paying duties or to evade enforcement of laws
smuggle drugs
convicted of smuggling weapons
: to export or import something in violation of customs laws
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