smuggled; smuggling
ˈsmə-g(ə-)liŋ 
1
: to import or export secretly contrary to the law and especially without paying duties imposed by law
2
: to convey or introduce surreptitiously
: to import or export something in violation of the customs laws
Examples of smuggle in a Sentence
He was arrested for smuggling drugs into the country.
They smuggled immigrants across the border.
The paintings had been smuggled out of the country before the war.
We smuggled his favorite sandwich past the nurse.
Recent Examples on the Web
Authorities caught the 68-year-old trying to smuggle several other Chinese nationals to Guam from the Northern Mariana Islands.
—
Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
At the time, UNESCO warned the public not to trade, import, or export artifacts smuggled from Sudan.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of smuggling diesel fuel, according to state media.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Lucas was known for boasting about smuggling heroin from Southeast Asia to the U.S. by using the coffins of dead American military members.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
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Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
At the time, UNESCO warned the public not to trade, import, or export artifacts smuggled from Sudan.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of smuggling diesel fuel, according to state media.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Lucas was known for boasting about smuggling heroin from Southeast Asia to the U.S. by using the coffins of dead American military members.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smuggle
Cite this Entry
“Smuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smuggle. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
smuggle
verb
smug·gle
ˈsmə-gəl
smuggled; smuggling
: to import or export secretly and illegally especially to avoid paying duties or to evade enforcement of laws
smuggle drugs
convicted of smuggling weapons
: to export or import something in violation of customs laws
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