smuggle

[smuhg-uhl]

verb (used with object)

smuggled, smuggling 

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)

smuggled, smuggling 

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. to conceal; hide

Other Word Forms

• smuggler noun
• antismuggling adjective
• unsmuggled adjective
• smuggling noun

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

After unsuccessfully trying legal options to enter the US from Mexico, in December Asal's family remaining members paid to be smuggled across the border, where they then surrendered to authorities.

From BBC

The president and his predecessor, Joe Biden, criticised the policy as harmful to US businesses and said it has been abused to smuggle illegal goods, including drugs like fentanyl.

From BBC

Two North Korean officials reached Wen via an online messaging platform in 2022 and told him to smuggle firearms and other goods from the US to North Korea, according to the justice department.

From BBC

He added that the woman revealed she had been paid $19,000 to smuggle the drugs into Bali by someone she met on the dark web in April.

From BBC

Two men who smuggled cannabis worth £9m from Manchester into Northern Ireland by hiding it in wooden flooring have been jailed.

From BBC

Related Words

• export 
• hide