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
Ukraine's Security Service smuggled first-person view drones laden with small explosives onto trucks driven deep into Russia.
—
Charles Maynes, NPR, 2 June 2025
The man tried to smuggle the 17 exotic birds on May 4 via the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego, according to a complaint filed in federal court.
—Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
At least two minors were smuggled into the country without a relative or guardian, authorities said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
What To Know Petrova, 31, was charged Wednesday with smuggling biological material.
—Isabel Van Brugen
peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
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Charles Maynes, NPR, 2 June 2025
The man tried to smuggle the 17 exotic birds on May 4 via the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego, according to a complaint filed in federal court.
—Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
At least two minors were smuggled into the country without a relative or guardian, authorities said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
What To Know Petrova, 31, was charged Wednesday with smuggling biological material.
—Isabel Van Brugen
peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 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 9 Jun. 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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