smuggle

verb

smug·​gle ˈsmə-gəl How to pronounce smuggle (audio)
smuggled; smuggling ˈsmə-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce smuggle (audio)

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
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.
Read Next National Inmate smuggled fentanyl that killed 2 at Georgia jail, officials say. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 The couple are accused of being part of an international wildlife trafficking network that saw the majority of animals being smuggled into the European Union from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine via the Poland-Belarus border, according to the Guardia Civil. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025 They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, including Sanchez’s residence on Madison Street in Hartford, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025 Rumor has it that one Masters champion managed to smuggle out a Green Jacket a few years back, splashing a little Pantone 342 around at a private event and returning the garment safely to its hook before anyone at Augusta got wise to the caper. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smuggle

Word History

Etymology

Low German smuggeln & Dutch smokkelen

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smuggle was in 1687

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smuggle. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

smuggle

verb
smug·​gle ˈsməg-əl How to pronounce smuggle (audio)
smuggled; smuggling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce smuggle (audio)
1
: to export or import secretly and unlawfully especially to avoid paying taxes
smuggle jewels
2
: to take, bring, or introduce secretly
smuggler noun

Legal Definition

smuggle

verb
smug·​gle ˈsmə-gəl How to pronounce smuggle (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on smuggle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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