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
• smuggling noun
• antismuggling adjective
• unsmuggled 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

In a video shared on social media, Yulia Navalnaya said analysis of smuggled biological samples carried out by laboratories in two countries showed that her husband had been "murdered".

From BBC

An organised criminal gang which smuggled millions of pounds worth of cannabis from the US into south Wales through the post have been jailed.

From BBC

Seven Chinese nationals who smuggled Malawians to South Africa and subjected them to forced labour have been handed 20-year prison terms each.

From BBC

International drugs cartels are increasingly using Northern Ireland to smuggle drugs into the UK and mainland Europe, a senior police officer has confirmed.

From BBC

A U.S. naval ship blew up a vessel in the Caribbean that the president claimed belonged to a drug cartel and was being used to smuggle illegal narcotics.

From Salon

Related Words

• export 
• hide