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

So on March 22, 1621, following his wife’s instructions, Grotius managed to smuggle himself out of Loevestein Castle in the book chest, masquerading as, well, a box full of books. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026

Many times, trailers are specially modified to smuggle people with hidden compartments in case of inspections. —ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026

Court records, and the company’s own disclosures, show the latest allegations of smuggling to a restricted market bear striking similarities to a 20-year-old enforcement action also involving the company. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026

The more poetry that could be smuggled under their noses, by whatever means, the better their skill at keeping house. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 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