smuggle

[ smuhg-uhl ]
See synonyms for: smugglesmuggledsmugglingsmuggler on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),smug·gled, smug·gling.
  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),smug·gled, smug·gling.
  1. to import, export, or convey goods surreptitiously or in violation of the law.

Origin of smuggle

1
1680–90; <Low German smuggeln; cognate with German schmuggeln

Other words from smuggle

  • smuggler, noun
  • an·ti·smug·gling, adjective
  • un·smug·gled, adjective

Words Nearby smuggle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use smuggle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for smuggle

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

  1. (tr foll by away) to conceal; hide

Origin of smuggle

1
C17: from Low German smukkelen and Dutch smokkelen, perhaps from Old English smūgen to creep; related to Old Norse smjūga

Derived forms of smuggle

  • smuggler, noun
  • smuggling, noun

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