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

China’s main connection to the opioid crisis is as the source of the chemicals, known as precursors, used by Mexican cartels that produce fentanyl and smuggle the drug into the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Treating occurrences as things that exist smuggles confusion into our language and concepts.

Read more on Science Daily

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the U.S. military has identified targets in Venezuela that include military facilities used to smuggle drugs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The gang engages primarily in drug trafficking, but also smuggles guns, gold, fuel, alcohol and tobacco.

Read more on BBC

Lithuania will begin to shoot down balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• export 
• hide