smuggle

[ smuhg-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, smug·gled, smug·gling.

1. to import or export (goods) secretly, in violation of the law, especially without payment of legal duty.
2. to bring, take, put, etc., surreptitiously:

   She smuggled the gun into the jail inside a cake.

verb (used without object)

, smug·gled, smug·gling.

1. to import, export, or convey goods surreptitiously or in violation of the law.

smuggle

/ ˈsmʌɡəl /

verb

1. to import or export (prohibited or dutiable goods) secretly
2. tr; often foll by into or out of to bring or take secretly, as against the law or rules
3. trfoll byaway to conceal; hide

Derived Forms

• ˈsmuggler, noun
• ˈsmuggling, noun

Other Words From

• smuggler noun
• anti·smuggling adjective
• un·smuggled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smuggle¹

1680–90; < Low German smuggeln; cognate with German schmuggeln

Word History and Origins

Origin of smuggle¹

C17: from Low German smukkelen and Dutch smokkelen, perhaps from Old English smūgen to creep; related to Old Norse smjūga

Example Sentences

Many of the rubber inflatable boats used to smuggle migrants across the Channel are manufactured in Turkey and transported over this very border.

From BBC

Mr Lee said commercial smugglers already used the AoS to smuggle cigarettes and electronics between Syria and Lebanon.

From BBC

One example of this is the high proportion of illegal drugs smuggled through legal global food supply chains.

From BBC

The articles claimed that Yahya Sinwar was surrounded by a ring of around 20 hostages and that plans had been discovered to smuggle both the captives and the Hamas leader into Egypt.

From BBC

The trial also saw a number of unusual incidents, including the arrest of a Fulton County deputy for allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband to a defendant.

From BBC

Related Words

• export
• hide