SINCE 1828
smuggle
verb
smug·gle
| \ ˈsmə-gəl
\
\
smuggled;
smuggling\ -g(ə-)liŋ
\
\
Definition of smuggle
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
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from smuggle
smuggler
\ ˈsmə-glər
\
noun
\
noun
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.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
The resin was transported to small labs elsewhere in the country, where it was turned into heroin and then smuggled across Mexico’s northern border into the United States. — Kirk Semple, New York Times, "Mexican Opium Prices Plummet, Driving Poppy Farmers to Migrate," 7 July 2019 Prak Sonnara said the 85 items were believed to have been stolen from Cambodia’s temples during the war, when intense looting occurred and valuables were smuggled through neighboring Thailand. — Washington Post, "Japanese collector returns ancient artifacts to Cambodia," 6 July 2019 It is assumed that phones are mostly smuggled into prisons by visitors and staff, and who can collect fees upwards of $1,000 per phone. — Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, "California gang leaders’ prison cell phones reveal secrets that stayed in the dark for years," 3 July 2019 Prosecution evidence alleged that Guzmán was a leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, a crime organization that smuggled tons of cocaine and other drugs into the United States for decades. — Kevin Mccoy, USA TODAY, "Trial judge rejects El Chapo's bid for new trial over claims of potential juror misconduct," 3 July 2019 Chicagoans often drive to northwest Indiana to buy and smuggle in their contraband, Langford said. — Javonte Anderson, chicagotribune.com, "Time to celebrate Independence Day, but not with fireworks: 3 things you should know about Illinois’ fireworks laws," 2 July 2019 The cameras made the evils of usury, stealing and smuggling visible. — Richard Vokes, Quartz Africa, "A recently discovered trove of photos shows life in Uganda during Idi Amin’s troubled reign," 30 June 2019 The Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation after receiving a tip that Ordonez, who works at the jail at 100 Dolhonde St., Gretna, had allegedly smuggled in contraband for an inmate in exchange for payment, Rivarde said. — Michelle Hunter, nola.com, "JPSO guard arrested, accused in scheme to smuggle phone into jail," 27 June 2019 Prosecutors said John Seil Lee, of Walnut, Calif., smuggled a powder from China called tadalafil — the generic prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and sold under the Cialis brand. — Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, "Broomfield sex-toy distributor executives charged with selling illegal erectile enhancement drugs," 26 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'smuggle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for smuggle
smuggle
verb
English Language Learners Definition of smuggle
: to move (someone or something) from one country into another illegally and secretly
informal
: to take or bring (something) secretly
See the full definition for smuggle in the English Language Learners Dictionary
smuggle
verb
smug·gle
| \ ˈsmə-gəl
\
\
smuggled;
smuggling
Kids Definition of smuggle
1
: to export or import secretly and unlawfully
They smuggled stolen goods.
2
: to take or bring secretly
It had been my intention to smuggle a couple of sandwiches …— Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee
smuggle
verb
smug·gle
| \ ˈsmə-gəl
\
\
smuggled;
smuggling
Legal Definition of smuggle
: 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
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on smuggle
What made you want to look up smuggle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
What's that Smell?! Quiz
-
- Someone who is hircine smells like a:
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Share smuggle
Resources for smuggle