contraband
Americannoun
-
anything prohibited by law from being imported or exported.
-
goods imported or exported illegally.
-
illegal or prohibited trade; smuggling.
-
International Law. contraband of war.
-
(during the American Civil War) an enslaved Black person who escaped to or was brought within the Union lines.
adjective
noun
-
-
goods that are prohibited by law from being exported or imported
-
illegally imported or exported goods
-
-
illegal traffic in such goods; smuggling
-
Also called: contraband of war. international law goods that a neutral country may not supply to a belligerent
-
(during the American Civil War) a Black slave captured by the Union forces or one who escaped to the Union lines
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of contraband
First recorded in 1520–30; earlier contrabanda, from Spanish, from Italian contrabando (now contrabbando ), equivalent to contra “against” + Medieval Latin bandum, variant of bannum “edict”; see origin at contra 1 ( def. ), ban 2
Explanation
Contraband means "illicit goods" and usually refers to stuff that's imported or exported illegally, like weapons and certain exotic pets (like tigers). Contra means "against" (contradict, contrary) and bando means "ban," so contraband simply means "against a ban," or despite the rules. Place of origin: Italy. Somehow the word got imported by the English, but there aren't any laws against word-importation, so it would be a stretch to say that contraband is itself contraband.
Vocabulary lists containing contraband
Against All Odds: Contra and Counter
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Hamilton
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Excerpts from "To Kill a Mockingbird"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As scams surge nationwide, the “lonely hearts” ruse remains a classic: Con artists, who could be prisoners on contraband cellphones or overseas syndicates, prey on vulnerable people seeking companionship.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2026
It said the vessel was carrying "2,500 containers of contraband" and had taken an "unauthorised route".
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
Georgia’s Department of Corrections has arrested 18 staff and 92 civilians this year for smuggling contraband into prisons.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
A third vehicle, driven by 18-year-old Antonio Cortez of Mexico, was also stopped nearby and further contraband was found inside, according to prosecutors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 2, 2026
The officer takes a cursory peek inside my lunch bag—the contraband check.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
