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
Still, unlike other criminal organizations from Colombia, Brazil and Central America, Tren de Aragua has no large-scale involvement in smuggling cocaine across international borders, according to InSight Crime, a think tank that tracks crime across Latin America.
—
Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Thai authorities have said the bombing was revenge by a people smuggling gang whose activities had been disrupted by the police.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
The story began with Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor, getting hired to smuggle Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Koh Ker was extensively looted in the 1970s, and at least a dozen such sculptures were smuggled out of Cambodia and sold by Latchford.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
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Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Thai authorities have said the bombing was revenge by a people smuggling gang whose activities had been disrupted by the police.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
The story began with Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor, getting hired to smuggle Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Koh Ker was extensively looted in the 1970s, and at least a dozen such sculptures were smuggled out of Cambodia and sold by Latchford.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 11 June 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 15 Jun. 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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