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
Yemen’s National Resistance Forces released new footage of the interception of a vessel smuggling Iranian weapons to the Houthis in the Red Sea.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
As part of his plea deal, Guzman Lopez – who is the first of the brothers to plead guilty – might have to share intimate details about his family's role in smuggling drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border, possibly including testifying against one of his brothers who is still awaiting trial.
—Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 11 July 2025
The fentanyl was then smuggled by the Sinaloa cartel’s couriers, using vehicles and tunnels that went from Tijuana and other border locations into the U.S., according to the plea.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
The driver, 35, was charged with smuggling merchandise and importation contrary to law, according to federal prosecutors.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
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Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
As part of his plea deal, Guzman Lopez – who is the first of the brothers to plead guilty – might have to share intimate details about his family's role in smuggling drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border, possibly including testifying against one of his brothers who is still awaiting trial.
—Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 11 July 2025
The fentanyl was then smuggled by the Sinaloa cartel’s couriers, using vehicles and tunnels that went from Tijuana and other border locations into the U.S., according to the plea.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
The driver, 35, was charged with smuggling merchandise and importation contrary to law, according to federal prosecutors.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 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 23 Jul. 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
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