smuggle

verb

smug·​gle ˈsmə-gəl 

smuggled; smuggling ˈsmə-g(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to import or export secretly contrary to the law and especially without paying duties imposed by law

2

: to convey or introduce surreptitiously

intransitive verb

: 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

In May, Thai police arrested a man suspected of smuggling two baby orangutans into the kingdom. —CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025

Shipments heading to Europe are smuggled through the Caribbean, often hidden in container ships. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025

Earlier this year, Iranian forces captured two foreign oil tankers, Star 1 and Vintage, accusing them of smuggling diesel fuel. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

In July, a similar incident was reported at the same airport when an individual tried to smuggle nearly 140 exotic reptiles and arthropods into the country. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Low German smuggeln & Dutch smokkelen

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for smuggle

• jugal
• juggle
• mughal
• snuggle
• struggle

Kids Definition

smuggle

verb

smug·​gle ˈsməg-əl 

smuggled; smuggling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to export or import secretly and unlawfully especially to avoid paying taxes

smuggle jewels

2

: to take, bring, or introduce secretly

smuggler

ˈsməg-lər 

noun

Legal Definition

smuggle

verb

smug·​gle ˈsmə-gəl 

smuggled; smuggling

transitive verb

: to import or export secretly and illegally especially to avoid paying duties or to evade enforcement of laws

smuggle drugs

convicted of smuggling weapons

intransitive verb

: to export or import something in violation of customs laws