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 major Canadian cities, anywhere from 78% to as much as 90% of crime guns recovered came from or were smuggled in from the United States, the ATF says. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Four people, including a man serving time for murder, have been arrested and accused of smuggling drugs and other contraband into the Pulaski County jail, a news release from the county sheriff's office says. — Arkansas Online, 8 Aug. 2026

The Civil Guard said the operation with Ecuador’s National Police, which was overseen by Europol, targeted a ring that was financed by investors in Dubai and was smuggling drugs from South America into Spain in shipping containers. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Dangerous tides Contraband fuel To avoid taxes and high import fees, gasoline and diesel fuel legally purchased in the United States is being smuggled into Mexico. — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

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