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
Waupun Correctional Institution has also faced a series of deaths among those incarcerated there in recent years and is now under investigation by federal officials over how drugs and contraband were smuggled inside.
—
Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The president initially said last week that the administration may go to Congress for authorization to strike drug cartels that are smuggling on land.
—The Hill, 27 Oct. 2025
And then Israel would be able to act immediately against any challenge or threat that is being developed in Gaza, and get warnings about a plan to launch rockets or to smuggle weapons or things like that.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Two of the most recent strikes were carried out in the eastern Pacific Ocean, expanding the area where the military has launched attacks and shifting to where much of the cocaine is smuggled from the world’s largest producers, including Colombia.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The president initially said last week that the administration may go to Congress for authorization to strike drug cartels that are smuggling on land.
—The Hill, 27 Oct. 2025
And then Israel would be able to act immediately against any challenge or threat that is being developed in Gaza, and get warnings about a plan to launch rockets or to smuggle weapons or things like that.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Two of the most recent strikes were carried out in the eastern Pacific Ocean, expanding the area where the military has launched attacks and shifting to where much of the cocaine is smuggled from the world’s largest producers, including Colombia.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
Cite this Entry
“Smuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smuggle. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share