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

He was arrested after helping Albanian national Artan Halilaj, 39, of London, to smuggle his relative Fiorentino Halilaj into the country on a small boat, in September 2023.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Nor do they address Israel’s concerns about Syria being an “oxygen line” for Iran to smuggle weapons to its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah.

From BBC

It’s not just Russia – in various parts of the Middle East, for example, food subsidies in one country can provide an incentive to smuggle ingredients into others where governments provide no support and prices are high.

From BBC

Zada, known by those he tried to smuggle as Amanj Zaman, sometimes used videos of him being thanked by those he had previously helped, the NCA said.

From BBC

Related Words

• export
• hide