smuggler

noun

smug·​gler ˈsmə-glər How to pronounce smuggler (audio)
plural smugglers
: one who smuggles something
The traffic in drugs—especially cocaine—to Florida by sea and air from South America has been generating wealth to rival that of the tourist trade and attracting a cadre of ingenious and ruthless smugglers from around the world.Jeremiah Tax
In nearby Nogales smugglers tunnel 6 ft. under the border and funnel people through.Terry McCarthy
Officials in Paraguay raided a wildlife smuggling operation in its capital city, Asunción, on March 25, recovering two critically endangered Brazilian parrots, which Paraguayan smugglers had hoped to sell in West Germany for $40,000.Focus

Examples of smuggler in a Sentence

during Prohibition, smugglers of alcohol did a brisk business
Recent Examples on the Web
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In addition to Hackman's win, the iconic action film — which follows New York City detectives' pursuit of a French drug smuggler — won a total of five Oscars that night, including Best Picture and Best Director for William Friedken. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 Many of the migrants are coming from China and making their way to The Bahamas, where smugglers take them in boats that moor in the mangroves along South Florida’s waterways before waiting vans pick them up. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025 The Little Maria controversy did no favors for human-rights activists, either, whom the government liked to paint as feckless—or even as smugglers masquerading as do-gooders. Lauren Markham, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 The inventive pulp-like episodes showcased space smugglers, alien creatures, and planetary rescue missions in a series that was far ahead of its time when presenting serious scientific topics. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smuggler

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smuggler was in 1661

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Cite this Entry

“Smuggler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smuggler. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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