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

Last year, Machado smuggled herself out of Venezuela after she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to restore democracy in the South American country. — Clyburn Saint John, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Dozens of opposition activists went into hiding to avoid arrest and some also left the country, including opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who smuggled herself out of Venezuela last year to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

In any case, Park smuggled a few zukes over the border—don’t tell Interpol—and gave one to Lily Collins, her Emily costar. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026

The relief was then smuggled out of Syria and ultimately into Dubai, before Palmyra was destroyed by ISIS between 2015 and 2017. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 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