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
So yes, one very important achievement is that Hamas cannot really strengthen itself militarily, because Israel controls the Philadelphi Corridor, which prevents Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 19 May 2026
Last week, Bryant said investigators arrested Officer Javian Quintrell Blake, accusing him of buying phones and cigarettes and smuggling them into the jail for payment.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 18 May 2026
Fentanyl can be made year-round and smuggled into the United States in small doses as opposed to marijuana or cocaine, which both come from plants that are harvested seasonally and must be smuggled in large quantities to be profitable.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026
Is smuggling ants worth the risk?
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
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Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 19 May 2026
Last week, Bryant said investigators arrested Officer Javian Quintrell Blake, accusing him of buying phones and cigarettes and smuggling them into the jail for payment.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 18 May 2026
Fentanyl can be made year-round and smuggled into the United States in small doses as opposed to marijuana or cocaine, which both come from plants that are harvested seasonally and must be smuggled in large quantities to be profitable.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026
Is smuggling ants worth the risk?
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 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 28 May. 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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