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
Three of the guns used in the rampage were smuggled illegally from Maine.
—
Max Saltman, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Tim Raymond, acting assistant special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Lubbock, said the case highlights the broader dangers tied to smuggling operations.
—Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
It’s not meant to smuggle in unrelated provisions that expand the power of leadership at the expense of our members.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
In fall 2023, the Sheriff’s Office investigated a spate of overdose inmate deaths, then arrested several staffers tied to Avid Healthcare Services, a health care contractor, for smuggling drugs into the jail in exchange for money.
—Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
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Max Saltman, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Tim Raymond, acting assistant special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Lubbock, said the case highlights the broader dangers tied to smuggling operations.
—Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
It’s not meant to smuggle in unrelated provisions that expand the power of leadership at the expense of our members.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
In fall 2023, the Sheriff’s Office investigated a spate of overdose inmate deaths, then arrested several staffers tied to Avid Healthcare Services, a health care contractor, for smuggling drugs into the jail in exchange for money.
—Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
Cite this Entry
“Smuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smuggle. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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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