Synonyms of bootlegger

bootlegger

noun

ˈbüt-ˌle-gər 

as in smuggler

a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally

a bootlegger of counterfeit electronics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• smuggler
• runner
• courier
• mule
• coyote
• contrabandist
• gunrunner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bootlegger

The more appropriate way to think of this is when someone makes a bootleg copy of a movie, the original movie is still intact, but the bootlegger has nonetheless committed a crime and stolen something of value. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026

Even the underground tunnels bootleggers used to service the Green Mill during its speakeasy days are still in place. — Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026

His father was a factory worker and a barber, as well as a bootlegger and loan shark. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026

His death reportedly was the result of a dispute with a bootlegger. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026